Do I see love as a privilege or an obligation?
1 Corinthians 13:4-61 Corinthians 13:4-6 · KJV4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Continuing on through the characteristics of Love…
As Christians we are vessels for the Holy Spirit. God Has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation When our vessels are sanctified and meet for the master's use, every task we have to do will be holy and God honoring.
Smyrna the Suffering church Revelation 2:8-11Revelation 2:8-11 · KJV8And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Am I focused on becoming rich according to God's economy, or am I focused on becoming rich according to this world's economy?
How should we as Christians respond to suffering?
seven elements in the first five verses of John 10 -The Door -The Sheepfold -Thieves and Robbers -The Good Shepherd -The Porter -Sheep -Strangers Will you enter the sheepfold? Come in through the Door and follow the Good Shepherd.
Love is the link between power and temperance When we take our eyes off our Saviour and trust in our own power, we will experience fear and shame, but when we trust in God's power and love, we can be bold and unashamed. 2 Timothy 1:72 Timothy 1:7 · KJVFor God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Love feast Sunday morning Worship service
If we pursued loving relationships (in accordance with God's Word) with everyone we meet above all other pursuits in life, what would be the result?
1 Corinthians 13:1-31 Corinthians 13:1-3 · KJV1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. The Importance of Love
Love is of utmost Importance! Are my relationships centered on others or on myself? Relationships rooted in love have eternal value; those without love offer only earthly benefits.
1 Corinthians 13:4-71 Corinthians 13:4-7 · KJV4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. The Characteristics of Love
What is Love, truly? Suffereth long and is kind; long-suffering must be accompanied by kindness to be considered love. Envieth not; Do I have a proper understanding of what envy means?
...to be continued, Lord willing
1 Corinthians 13:8-131 Corinthians 13:8-13 · KJV8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. The Endurance of Love