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8/14/2022

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37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

"Love your neighbor as yourself" is mentioned 8 times in the Bible. It is a command, not a suggestion. 

9 “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God. 11 “‘Do not steal. “‘Do not lie.
“‘Do not deceive one another.
12 “‘Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.
13 “‘Do not defraud or rob your neighbor.
“‘Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.
14 “‘Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord.
15 “‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.
16 “‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people.
“‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.
17 “‘Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.
18 “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:9-18

Who is our Neighbor?

Throughout history people have put limits on the defintion of neighbor -- limited to people they approved of. this is not what Jesus said. There is no limitation on neighbor. Everyone is your neighbor. Everyone. 

How to Love Your Neighbor:

1. Know what love is: "10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10

God's love saves us from ourselves -- our SELF nature. Look at everyone through God's love. Until you feel loved by God, until you realize you are loved, it will be mighty hard to love others. Measurement -- we need to put God's value on people.

"39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[a]" Matthew 22:39

Realize I am valued by God as His child. See other's value too. God doesn't want anyone to perish. God left the door open for everyone -- many will reject Him, but He still wants them and still pursues them. He wants the wanderers.

"9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

Love your neighbor -- give them grace. Grace is so good to receive; often hard to give. But that is no excuse. 

"18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:18

Only if you plant the seed and then work it and maintain the ground, weeding, watering and so on will it grow. We are the same. Through God's grace we will grow if we press into Jesus. God's grace allows us to fall and get back up again. I have been forgiven a debt I would never be able to repay. How can I withhold forgiveness and grace from anyone?

"32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

Love Your Neighbor -- take the backseat. Don't be calling shotgun. 
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-
"minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:" Philippians 2:1-5

If you are in a hurry and see someone who needs help, help. Be late. Help. Never think you are too good to help or not enough to help.

Loving your neighbor is action

1. How we speak.
2. What we do.
3. How we look at others.
4. Giving the benefit of the doubt.
5. Sharing the gospel with love.
6. Forgiving 70 times 7.
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The Hierarchy of Needs

4/24/2022

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We are taught Maslow's hierarchy of needs: physical, safety, love/belonging, esteem and finally self-actualization. But, according to scripture this isn't God's way. We can be well fed but miserable. We can put up all safety measures like alarms and cameras, but it is a false security. We hear all songs about love but they are usually about loss or wanting it. We are told to have self-esteem but still 97% of young girls have body issues of accepting themselves as they are. 

God's way is based in Him and His Word.

"Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."  Luke 9:23

Here are God's Hierarchy of Needs:

#1 Acknowledge who we are and who God is -- we are sinners. He is God Almighty, perfect in all ways. 

"Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said. 'Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'" Mark 10:21

Jesus loved the rich young man. He knew his riches were what was holding him to the world and not letting him follow God fully. Is something in your life holding you to the world and stopping you from following Christ fully?

"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith."  Philippians 3:7-9

Any gain in this world, if we embrace it, is a loss to our faith. We need to set Self aside and follow Jesus fully. 

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

#2 Reconciliation between us and God and us and others.

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:16-19

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6

#3 Understand the love of God through the Spirit.
We aren't enough -- so what. God's love completes us!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

"If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18

We are to be overflowing with love and hope! If we don't understand how much God loves us how can we be vessels of love and hope? The world needs his hope and love. 

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3-4

#4 We need fellowship with each other.

We always can do more together than alone. 

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

"As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

#5 Physical needs -- God knows what we need 

We don't need to dwell on our physical needs. God will take care of them.

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34

We don't need to scramble to get our needs met. God will take care of these for us. He loves us.

#6 Safety.

We need safety of course, but our true safety is ifound in God.

"In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17

18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." 2 Timothy 4:18

The Lord's prayer shows this list too!

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
    but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’

#1. Father -- acknowledge him and who we are.
#2 Our daily needs.
#3 Reconciliation
#4 Safety
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Moving Forward

4/17/2022

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The world is lost. We all know the world is lost. If the world was honest the world would admit to being lost. So what do we need when we are lost? We need a way forward. 

Our way forward is Christ.
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,God  did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:1-8

God went His son to fulfill the Law to make a way for us to be with Him in heaven. 

You have to choose -- the world or Jesus.

"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6

Jesus is the door!

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21

Follow in His steps wherever He leads us.

The path forward is marked. 

The markers left by Christ are clear.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
  in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.[a]" Proverbs 3:5-6

"Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6

Live in me as I live in the Father is what Jesus says. 

Do as I do -- Love as I love.

​"13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:13-17

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12

Resurrection makes all things new!

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:16-19

Jesus will physically return to earth!

Do as I do.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher." Luke 6:37-47

See in the above passage --  your action reaps. If you judge you will be judged. don't judge and you won't be judged; don't forgive and you won't be forgiven, etc....

They are Promises and Warnings.
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49

Set your mind on the Resurrection. Don't be a fan. Be a follower.

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4

Don't be deceived. 

We are never left alone.

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:4-6

Challenge: Be a well-trained student. Use discipline. Get into the Word. Do what Jesus does. Follow Him.
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Weeds

4/10/2022

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Gardening catalogues show the fruit and flowers and vegetables at their ideal state -- vibrant and colorful. Weeding is vital to successful gardening. When God created the Garden of Eden there were no weeds. We because of sin brought weeds and everything else evil into this world. 

"Then God said, “Let the land produce plants. Let them produce their own seeds. And let there be trees on the land that grow fruit with seeds in it. Let each kind of plant or tree have its own kind of seeds.” And that’s exactly what happened. 12 So the land produced plants. Each kind of plant had its own kind of seeds. And the land produced trees that grew fruit with seeds in it. Each kind of tree had its own kind of seeds. God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:11-12

 "Jesus also said, “Here is what God’s kingdom is like. A farmer scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day the seed comes up and grows. It happens whether the farmer sleeps or gets up. He doesn’t know how it happens. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain. First the stalk comes up. Then the head appears. Finally, the full grain appears in the head. 29 Before long the grain ripens. So the farmer cuts it down, because the harvest is ready.'" Mark 4:26-29

God is the gardener.
We plant. God grows it. This year will be tough -- up front costs will be high. 

"Jesus told the crowd another story. “Here is what the kingdom of heaven is like,” he said. “A man planted good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came. The enemy planted weeds among the wheat and then went away. 26 The wheat began to grow and form grain. At the same time, weeds appeared. 27 “The owner’s slaves came to him. They said, ‘Sir, didn’t you plant good seed in your field? Then where did the weeds come from?’ 28 “ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The slaves asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?’ 29 “ ‘No,’ the owner answered. ‘While you are pulling up the weeds, you might pull up the wheat with them." Matthew 13:24-29

"Then Jesus left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him. They said, “Explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who planted the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world. The good seed stands for the people who belong to the kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. 39 The enemy who plants them is the devil. The harvest is judgment day. And the workers are angels." Matthew 13:36-39
There are two kinds of people on this earth -- people who belong to God and people who belong to Satan. 

The Harvest
“The weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire. That is how it will be on judgment day. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels. They will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin. They will also get rid of all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace. There people will weep and grind their teeth. 43 Then God’s people will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. Whoever has ears should listen." Matthew 13:40-43

This is a warning. Jesus was talking to His disciples -- to Believers. 

Why wait?

"First, I want you to pray for all people. Ask God to help and bless them. Give thanks for them. 2 Pray for kings. Pray for everyone who is in authority. Pray that we can live peaceful and quiet lives. And pray that we will be godly and holy. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior. 4 He wants all people to be saved. He wants them to come to know the truth. 5 There is only one God. And there is only one go-between for God and human beings. He is the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave himself to pay for the sins of all people. We have been told this message at just the right time." 1 Timothy 2:1-6

God doesn't want to lose anybody. He's giving us time to bring people to Him. He's giving people time to repent. 

"But now God has shown us his saving power without the help of the law. But the Law and the Prophets tell us about this. 22 We are made right with God by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. This happens to all who believe. It is no different for the Jews than for the Gentiles. 23 Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory. 24 The free gift of God’s grace makes us right with him. Christ Jesus paid the price to set us free. 25 God gave Christ as a sacrifice to pay for sins through the spilling of his blood. So God forgives the sins of those who have faith. God did all this to prove that he does what is right. He is a God of mercy. So he did not punish for their sins the people who lived before Jesus lived." Romans 3:21-25

We are all naturally weeds. Only through Christ can we become fruit-bearing plants. 

Death and Salvation

"When you sin, the pay you get is death. But God gives you the gift of eternal life. That’s because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done." Romans 6:23

"You can’t be saved by believing in anyone else. God has given people no other name under heaven that will save them.'" Acts 4:12

Your challenge:
1, Abide in the Vine (John 15)

2. Expect to be pruned.

3. Bear Fruit. 

4. Ask yourself - are you listening to God or Satan and the wiorld? 

Don't be afraid of the weeds.

"You will call out to me for help.
    And I will answer you.
You will cry out.
    And I will say, ‘Here I am.’
“Get rid of the chains you use to hold others down.
    Stop pointing your finger at others as if they had done something wrong.
    Stop saying harmful things about them.
10 Work hard to feed hungry people.
    Satisfy the needs of those who are crushed.
Then my blessing will light up your darkness.
    And the night of your suffering will become as bright as the noonday sun.
11 I will always guide you.
    I will satisfy your needs in a land baked by the sun.
    I will make you stronger.
You will be like a garden that has plenty of water.
    You will be like a spring whose water never runs dry." Isaiah 58:9-11

These verses are the perfect blueprint of how we need to live:
1. Call for help.
2. Do away with oppression
3. Don't point fingers at others and don't commit slander.
4. Take care of others.
5. Then our lights will shine.
6. The Lord will guide us always.

God is telling us something. God wants us to bear fruit. Bear enough to give it away. 

Challenge: Get into the Word and see what God has to say to you.

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Labels

1/16/2022

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"When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[a] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:36-5

Labels that society and we put on each other divide us and are not what Jesus does. We are to see people not dismiss them. Simon only saw what this woman was known for -- labeled her as a sinful woman -- didn't actually see her as a person created and loved by God.

Simon didn't show Jesus common courtesy. The woman went above and beyond common courtesy. She showed him love. 

Don't follow society's practice of using labels. It is comfortable placing people in categories. Then you can predict what they will do (not really, but that is what we think). We only then see categories, impersonal groups we love or hate.

Examples of Label Using in the BIble:

John 4 -- The Samaritan Woman
John 8 -- The woman caught in adultery -- seen only as an adulterous
Acts 4:13 -- Uneducated, common people "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

Don't be a Label Maker/Caller

 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1-2

And don't limit yourself with labels either. 

Here are 3 labels you have that you can and should embrace:

#1 I am forgiven. 

#2 I am capable (I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13)

#3 I am dearly loved. (Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

#4 I am a child of God. ( 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." John 1:12-13)

Live in Humility. We are not meant to be part of the labeling trend.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43::1b

We need to be unifiers.
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Be Intentional

12/12/2021

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"
Be Intentional in loving God and others in all we do.

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]" Matthew 22:37-39

The cross is a symbol of God's intentional love for us. A celebration

God's love is intentional. It isn't based on feeling. It isn't based on our performance. 

What is intentional love? 

"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

It was premeditated. 

It's easy to love someone who loves us.

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

Salvation is an offer. Christ died for everyone. Even those who will always reject Him.

Love like God, not the World.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1

This kind of love is completely contrary to the "love" the world offers.

"16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:" 2 Corinthians 5:16-18

Love people because God loves them. Do it for Jesus. If you love Jesus you will love everyone (even when it is hard). 

This is only done with intention. Look at people as Jesus does. Only throw a stone if you are sinless. Love anyway. I love you no matter what.

Jesus, the example of Intentional Love

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:4-5

Jesus loves the people who crucified Him. 

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." John 15:9

Loving is easier when we abide/live in Jesus. You can't be an accidental Christian. You can't accidentally love. A hateful Christian is a worldly person. 

This is how we know what love is:

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." 1 John 3:16

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

God's love is consistent and persistent.

We do not see love in the world system. Separation of people is not love. Don't categorize people. Our love must be intentional.

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]" Matthew 22:36-39

Be a conduit of God's love through your heart, soul and mind. God's love is never to be stopped or turned off in us.

Love is a command.

​34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
John 13:34

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:7-8

A hateful christian is a worldly person.

Love Covers

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

It's not about fixing people. It's about loving them and bringing them to Jesus.

"If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing." 1 corinthians 13:1-3

There is no substitute for loving people. Without love all is worthless. 

Live with Intentional Love

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8

 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
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Reckless Love

8/1/2021

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Reckless -- acting without thought to consequences; rash, audacious

"18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God . . .

"22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles," 1 Corinthians 1:18, 22-23

The world says the way God loves us, the sacrifices He has made, the actions He has taken in loving us is stupid. None of it makes sense to the world.

Reckless Love has 3 characteristics:

1. ACTION

"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

2. UNREASONABLE

 "God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21

3. CARELESS

    "there is no one who understands;
    there is no one who seeks God." Romans 3:11

No one was looking for God. Jesus was a surprise. People didn't ask God for the sacrifice of Jesus. God did it any way because He wants to be in relationship with all of us.

The Apostle Peter -- impulsive, brash, really right and really wrong. 

"Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd,
    and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’[a]
32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same." Matthew 26:31-35

Peter's the one who says it. Peter is the leader. Pete's the front guy. He has pride issues.

Just 6 hours later:


"54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” 57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. 58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. 59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” 60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly." Luke 22:54-62

​Ground shaking! It's one thing to follow Jesus; another thing to watch Jesus beaten and killed. Jesus looked straight at Peter. It must have been soul splitting to be in Jesus's gaze.

Peter comes back because of Jesus's crazy love.

Fallout of pride and Denial

"Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a] It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing." John 21:1-3

Peter screwed up so bad he just decided to quit and go back to his old life. Jesus has other ideas. This becomes a reset for Peter.

"4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water." John 21:4-7

Peter was in the worst part of his life. Jesus repeats the miracle of the fish he did for Peter when Jesus first called Peter. This is the reset. In John 20 Peter is not mentioned in the two times Jesus appears to the disciples. Possibly Peter was staying the background, avoiding Jesus. And Jesus allowed this. The work within Peter needed time to fully come about. Then in the above verses Peter wants to come back to Jesus so bad. He remembered! He wants to regain what he has lost. He didn't want to abandon Jesus. Jesus knows this. And Jesus wants him back. Jesus was the one who made the first move in this relationship.

"15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep." John 21:15-17

The first two times Jesus asks Peter if he loves him Jesus uses "agape." Peter answers using "philo."
The last time Jesus uses "philo."

Agape is loving fully like God loves us.
Philo is loving like a brother.

Jesus is being incredibly gracious to Peter and Peter knows it. Jesus is God. He cannot be our brother until we also acknowledge Him as God.

"18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”" John 21:18-19

"Follow Me!" is a demand, a command. To follow Jesus we have to recklessly love. Like Jesus does. Like Hosea did with his prostitute wife Gomer. Love and don't worry about it. No matter if the other responds you still keep loving.

But then Peter shows us one last shot of pride...

​"20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”" John 21:20-21

Jesus put a firm end on their conversation here. It doesn't matter what others do or say, we need to follow fully and love recklessly. Love like God does, not like the world does. Romance is easy. God's love is so big.
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Ready or not, Here He Comes!

5/9/2021

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​“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert[a]! You do not know when that time will come." Mark 13:32-33

Be ready when Jesus returns.

"51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-- 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

If this is my last chance, the time is now. None of us know when today is our last day,

"4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober." 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6

Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Time in our lives is more like a stopwatch rather than a clock. Your life will stop suddenly. Are you ready?

If you knew this was your last week what would you do? Reconcile with those you love. Forgive. Tell people the gospel. 

So, what is getting in the way now? Do these things now. Don't waste a second. Where you spend your time shows what matters to you. Don't have regrets. Use your time for Jesus. Don't waste a second.
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The Resurrected Life!

4/11/2021

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"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness." Romans 6:1-13

What do we do now? The Resurrection is part of us. What does that mean for our daily life? We are new in Christ, but habits and lifestyles are hard to break.

Amazing Grace -- we were lost, now we are found.

"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—" Romans 5:12

Jesus stayed on earth for 40 days after He was resurrected. Then He went to be with God in heaven. We are meant to be living with God.

"The sin in the world leads to separation, feeling lost, abandoned, disappointed, alone, unloved, despair, purposeless, wandering lost...

For us there is a better way -- we have hope. We should be the shining light in the darkness every day! Through the resurrection of Christ, we are not improved, we are reborn!

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath." Ephesians 2:1-3

It's not on us. We are reborn children of God. We don't make the transformation happen. The Spirit does.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." 1 John 3:1-2

Our bodies don't stop decaying. We still have bills. But our Spirits are transformed! Don't be influenced by the world. Be influenced by Jesus. We are immune to the death and sin of the world. Our lives have returned to the ownership of the Creator. I live like tomorrow is hope. Anticipation of seeing Jesus gets me excited. And He asks for you! Yes, you the one reading this!

God loves us the way we are, but He loves us too much to leave us this way. It's a brand new life.

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

Go toward Jesus. Go forward. Your life will get brighter and brighter "until the full day!!"

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37

Heaven is our home. Life is not elevated, it is dead. Leave it at at the Cross.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

We are receivers and givers of grace and the Good News. The need for Jesus is everywhere!!

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Don't live like you're dying.

Pick up your cross daily... 

Understand that you are loved this much! Walk forward means children of God -- boldly proclaiming His love. Share the love that you have received.

"It ain't dying I'm talking about, Woodrow, it's living!"

This isn't religion and rules. It is relationship. We are new -- here and now through Resurrection. 

Are you living a new life, a life of Resurrection right now? If not, what do you need to do?
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Passover

3/28/2021

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First blood sacrifice in the Bible happened in Genesis 3:

21 "The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." Genesis 3:21

And then in the end:
"13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”
14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”
And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Revelation 7:13-14

I. The Lamb was needed.

Blood on the doorway -- Everyone needed to be covered by the blood because everyone has sinned. The angel of death was coming. If you don't follow through with God's commands of putting blood on the door, your child would die.

"3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]”"
John 3:3

II. The Lamb is chosen.

The lamb was chosen on day 10 (see Exodus 12) and taken home and not sacrificed till day 14. Kids probably got quite attached.

8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.[a]" revelation 13:8

4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[a]" Galatians 4:4-5

God sent Jesus at the perfect time. The Romans were in charge and built roads everywhere. There was a common language -- Greek. The language, the roads were all there so the gospel could be spread! Fullness of God's time!!

III. The Lamb was watched.

the kids would watch the lamb these four days. The people and the Pharisees watched Jesus.

4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[a]" Luke 6:7

IV. The Lamb is slaughtered.

Jesus was chosen. His purpose was to die, to be the sacrifice for all sin. A blood sacrifice. His blood is on all our hands. 

23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[a] put him to death by nailing him to the cross." Acts 2:23

IV. Blood applied.

Killing the lamb was not enough. The blood had to be applied to the door frame -- above, right and left and below. Just like the cross: the crown of thorns, the nails on the right, the left and below. Jesus is the Door to Heaven.

7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture." John 10:7-9

The blood had to be applied by faith. Used hyssop to apply it -- everyone had to do it. Hyssop was a common shrub. All had to pick some to apply the blood. Leveled the playing field.

V. The Lamb was eaten.

The lamb had to be eaten by the family. We have to ingest Jesus's flesh and blood. He is the bread from heaven. He has to be part of us. Blood=salvation Flesh=regeneration.

"Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." John 6:53

Eaten with the Lamb was bitter herbs which represented Egypt and slavery. Bread without yeast -- hurry!

7 Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." 1 Corinthians 5:7-8

You had to be dressed and ready.

Are you ready?

The LORD's supper:

53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” John 6:53-58

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    Shannon Hinrichs

    Dupree Baptist Church Pastor

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