Love in Action
Love in Action19
Serving One Another
By William MacDonald0JHN 13:14GAL 5:13William MacDonald emphasizes the profound impact of serving one another through love, illustrating this principle with powerful examples of selfless acts. He recounts the story of a Gospel singer who cared for a dying friend, a Bible instructor who humbly cleaned the men's room, and a basketball player who prioritized service over personal gain. Each example highlights that true greatness lies in love-driven service, contrasting the self-serving nature prevalent in society. MacDonald encourages believers to embrace opportunities for sacrificial service, reflecting Christ's love in their actions.
The Religion God Wants
By Theodore Epp0JAS 1:26Theodore Epp emphasizes that true religion, as described in James 1:26-27, is the outward expression of an inward faith in Jesus Christ. This faith naturally manifests as love for others, especially for those who cannot reciprocate, reflecting the pure and undefiled religion that God desires. Epp highlights that genuine Christianity goes beyond giving to receive and instead focuses on selfless love, mirroring Christ's love for the helpless. The evidence of being a child of God is the new desire to express this love outwardly. Ultimately, pure religion is characterized by actions rooted in faith and love for others.
In the Upper Room
By G.W. North0JHN 13:14G.W. North emphasizes the significance of love and servanthood in the life of a disciple as demonstrated by Jesus in the Upper Room. He explains that true discipleship is marked not by titles or positions, but by the love that disciples show to one another, reflecting the love of Christ. North highlights that Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, including Judas, to exemplify humility and service, urging His followers to love as He loved. The sermon stresses that the test of one's love for God is evidenced by their love for others, and that discipleship involves a personal recognition of God's love for each individual. Ultimately, North calls for believers to embody love in action, as this is the true hallmark of being a disciple of Christ.
Matthew 7:24
By Chuck Smith0MAT 7:24Chuck Smith emphasizes the critical choice between building one's life on the solid foundation of Christ (the Rock) versus the unstable ground of worldly beliefs (sand). He warns against the dangers of a social gospel that undermines scriptural truths and encourages self-examination of one's faith and attitudes towards sound doctrine. Smith urges believers to seek a deep, loving relationship with Christ, characterized by genuine love for others and a commitment to righteousness. He highlights the importance of studying the Word and embodying the teachings of Jesus, particularly in loving others as He did.
Things That Endure
By J.R. Miller01CO 3:12J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of living a life that produces enduring results, contrasting the fleeting nature of many human endeavors with the lasting impact of love and kindness. He illustrates that while many pursuits may seem significant, they often leave no lasting legacy, akin to building 'birds' nests' that are easily swept away. Instead, he encourages individuals to focus on actions inspired by love for Christ and others, which create lasting treasures in the spiritual realm. Miller reminds us that even small acts of kindness can leave a profound and enduring impression on the lives of others. Ultimately, he calls for a life dedicated to meaningful contributions that will be remembered and cherished long after we are gone.
In Daily Life
By Andrew Murray0ROM 12:10PHP 2:31JN 4:20Andrew Murray emphasizes that our love for God is demonstrated through our interactions with others, particularly in how we show humility and love towards our fellow men. He argues that true humility is not merely a posture in prayer but is revealed in our daily conduct and relationships. Murray highlights that the essence of humility is to prefer others above ourselves, reflecting the character of Christ, who served and loved selflessly. He encourages believers to embody the humility of Jesus in their everyday lives, recognizing that this is the true measure of our spiritual maturity. Ultimately, Murray calls for a deeper understanding and practice of humility as a vital aspect of the Christian life.
Love Slaves
By Samuel Logan Brengle0EXO 21:1Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the concept of being a 'love slave' to Christ, illustrating how true servitude stems from love rather than compulsion. He draws parallels between the Hebrew law of servitude and the voluntary commitment of apostles like Paul, Peter, and James, who chose to serve Jesus out of love after experiencing His profound compassion. Brengle explains that this love-driven servitude leads to true freedom, as the love-slave finds joy in fulfilling the master's will, mirroring the selfless love of Christ. He encourages believers to deepen their relationship with God to experience this transformative love, which empowers them to serve others selflessly. Ultimately, Brengle calls for a complete and final choice to embrace this 'gentle and yet all-powerful bondage of love' as the essence of true Christian living.
The Danger in Worldliness
By David Wilkerson0JHN 12:35JHN 13:34David Wilkerson warns against the dangers of worldliness infiltrating the church, emphasizing that a distorted gospel promotes acceptance without the need for repentance or personal change. He highlights Jesus' admonition to walk in the light, cautioning that seeking worldly acceptance can lead to a darkening of one's spiritual light. Wilkerson stresses that true love, as commanded by Christ, is demonstrated through actions and is essential for the church to effectively reach a lost generation. He encourages believers to seek a baptism of love to strengthen their relationships within the church and to draw others to Christ.
The Love of God
By A.B. Simpson0JHN 3:16ROM 8:381CO 13:4EPH 2:41JN 3:11JN 4:81JN 4:121JN 4:161JN 4:19A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound nature of God's love, asserting that love is the essence of God and the foundation of all His attributes. He explains that Christ is the ultimate manifestation of this love, which calls forth our love in return, creating a cycle of divine affection. Simpson illustrates that true understanding of God's love comes through faith and is expressed in our love for one another, urging believers to act as conduits of God's love to the world. He concludes that love leads to confidence in our relationship with God and compels us to serve others, highlighting the practical implications of divine love in our lives.
Of the Grace of Love.
By John Gill0DEU 6:5MAT 22:371CO 13:13John Gill emphasizes the significance of love as the greatest grace following faith and hope, illustrating that love to God, Christ, and fellow believers is essential for a fulfilling Christian life. He explains that love is not only a command but also a natural response to God's goodness and grace, urging believers to love God wholeheartedly and to express that love through obedience and service to others. Gill highlights that true love manifests in various ways, including a desire for communion with God, a commitment to His glory, and a genuine affection for fellow believers, which is a reflection of Christ's love for us.
Finishing Well
By Heidi Baker5257:46PHP 1:3PHP 1:9PHP 2:1PHP 3:14HEB 3:4Heidi Baker delivers a powerful message on 'Finishing Well,' emphasizing the importance of enduring faith and love in the face of trials. She shares personal experiences of suffering and perseverance, particularly highlighting her husband's severe health challenges and the martyrdom of their friends in Mozambique. Baker encourages the congregation to focus on God's love and to finish their spiritual race with courage and joy, reminding them that true love manifests in action and sacrifice. She calls for a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, urging believers to discern what is best and to live in the fullness of God's grace.
Go and Learn
By John Wesley0MAT 9:12John Wesley emphasizes Jesus' call to show mercy over sacrifice, highlighting that true religion is rooted in love and compassion. He explains that Jesus' interactions with sinners and outcasts demonstrate God's desire for mercy, urging believers to prioritize acts of kindness in their lives. Wesley encourages the congregation to 'go and learn' what it means to be merciful, suggesting that understanding and practicing mercy can transform both individuals and communities. He reminds us that God has shown us mercy, and we are called to extend that mercy to others, especially those marginalized by society.
Things That Last
By J.R. Miller01CO 3:12J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of building a life on eternal values rather than temporary, superficial achievements. He warns against living a life that leaves no lasting impact, comparing it to building with perishable materials like wood and straw instead of gold and silver. Miller encourages believers to focus on love and service, as these are the only actions that will endure beyond this life. He illustrates that even small acts of kindness, when done with love, can create lasting memories and blessings. Ultimately, he calls for a life dedicated to meaningful contributions that enrich both our character and the world around us.
When Love Comes to Town
By Kevin Turner79638:182CO 5:14Kevin Turner shares a powerful message about the transformative power of love, particularly the love of Christ, which compels believers to live for others rather than themselves. He recounts his experiences in war zones and disaster areas, emphasizing that true faith is demonstrated through action and sacrifice for those in need. Turner challenges the congregation to reflect on their faith and its impact on their lives and the world, urging them to be conduits of God's love and grace. He highlights that when love comes to town, it brings hope, healing, and a call to serve, reminding everyone that they are called to be agents of change in a broken world.
On Love
By John Wesley0MAT 22:371CO 13:3John Wesley preaches on the paramount importance of love in the Christian life, emphasizing that even the most sacrificial acts, such as giving all to the poor or martyrdom, are meaningless without love. He warns that many may hear the message but fail to internalize it, risking spiritual emptiness. Wesley defines love as a deep, abiding affection for God and others, which manifests in patience, kindness, and humility. He illustrates that true love is essential for both happiness in life and comfort in death, as it is love that brings peace and joy amidst trials. Ultimately, he concludes that without love, all actions are devoid of true value and significance.
Testimony - Part 4
By Jackie Pullinger4.1K09:55LUK 4:18Jackie Pullinger shares her experiences of reaching out to those in desperate situations, emphasizing that mere words about Jesus' love are meaningless without action. She recounts her encounters with individuals who felt unworthy of love and how she became a tangible representation of Jesus to them through her deeds. Pullinger highlights the importance of understanding and meeting the physical and emotional needs of people to truly convey the message of Christ. She reflects on the struggles of those living in poverty and the joy of sharing God's love through practical help and companionship. Ultimately, she stresses that true transformation comes from personal relationships and genuine care, not from organizations or institutions.
Love Must Serve
By Theodore Epp01JN 3:11Theodore Epp emphasizes that true love, as described in 1 John 3:11-24, is not sentimental but a powerful expression of God's nature that compels us to meet the needs of others. He contrasts this with Cain's hatred and murder of Abel, illustrating that a lack of love signifies a separation from God. Epp highlights that genuine love is demonstrated through self-sacrifice for fellow believers and the sharing of both material and spiritual resources. He reminds us that love for God must translate into action, especially in reaching out to the lost. Ultimately, Epp concludes that love is the defining characteristic of a true disciple of Christ.
Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
By J.C. Ryle0JHN 13:6J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound humility and love demonstrated by Jesus when He washed the disciples' feet, illustrating that even the Son of God did not consider it beneath Him to perform the most menial tasks. Ryle highlights that this act serves as a powerful example for believers, urging them to practice humility and love towards one another. He warns against the dangers of pride, which is offensive to God, and encourages Christians to find joy in serving others, no matter how small the act may seem. The sermon calls for a return to these fundamental Christian virtues, which are accessible to all, regardless of status or knowledge. Ultimately, Ryle reminds us that embodying humility and love is essential for fulfilling our calling as followers of Christ.
On Zeal
By John Wesley0MAT 5:16ROM 12:91CO 13:1GAL 4:18EPH 4:2COL 3:141TH 5:15JAS 3:171PE 4:81JN 4:8John Wesley emphasizes the critical importance of true Christian zeal, distinguishing it from the destructive zeal that has historically caused harm in the name of religion. He argues that genuine zeal is rooted in love and humility, and it should be directed towards good works, particularly those that benefit others. Wesley warns against the counterfeit forms of zeal that lead to anger, pride, and division, urging believers to focus on love as the highest expression of their faith. He encourages a balanced approach to zeal, prioritizing works of mercy and holy tempers over mere religious observance. Ultimately, Wesley calls for a fervent love for God and neighbor as the essence of true Christian zeal.