Power of Persevering Love

 

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Vision:  We embrace Christ’s kingdom – His presence and fullness – here at Christ Center!

 

Today: Jesus taught that persevering love displays His kingdom and empowers the gospel.

 

& John 13:34-35. 34  "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

 

& 2 Peter 1:2-8. NIV  3 His [i.e., Christ’s] divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

 

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

 

8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

& 1 John 4:10-12. 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. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

 

& Colossians 3:12-14. 12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13  bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

 

& Ephesians 4:1-6.  1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is  one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

 

& Philippians 2:1-5.  1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2  make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

 

Commitment: In these troubled times, let’s strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

 

Communion: Jesus, it’s all about You! Your kingdom  is on display here through our love for You and for one another. Come, Lord Jesus, and love us all together as we commune with You.

 

The Calvary/Bell Curve

 

 

Observations:

 

1. We can enter the “Cross…Culture” because we died and our lives are now hidden with Christ is God. We press it to become fully devoted to Jesus so that we share His heart for people.

 

2. Our partnership at Christ Center is to reach out – to people who are wounded and lost.

 

3. The kingdom is displayed by our persevering love in the “We” zone.   (See texts on reverse side.)

 

4. Cultural Christianity is defined by the “Me” Zones – a consumer or entitlement mentality.

 

5. You are on this chart somewhere. The choice is yours. The Spirit calls, “Come up higher.”

 

6. Satan is attacking the “flanks.” His desire is to divide, isolate, and discourage the saints.

 

7. We must stand firm in persevering, unifying love together, and fight for one another in faith.

 

Applications:

 

a. Multi-Generational Priority: The church as a family of mature and maturing saints.

 

b. Pleromic Unity: A healing between Evangelicals and Charismatics.

 

c. Music Styles: Tradition blended with contemporary – with a singular focus on “Him.”

 

d. Political Leanings: Conservative in principle (e.g., doctrine) while liberal in love.

 

e. City Church: Integrity in the “We” Zone – High view of Scripture; right view of Jesus.