Prayer Is Love

1 John 3:19-24 Purpose : Times of doubt will come, our confidence is based not on our memory but God’s faithfulness. Introduction Today is Valentine’s Day. It is the day of sweethearts. It is the day to express your love to someone. This day is special for many. For many it is a day to [...]

1 John 3:11-18 Purpose : Self-sacrifice for our brothers proves that we belong to God Introduction I was in college. Like many then not so much now, I drove whatever I could afford. My parents didn’t pay for a car for college. Having wrecked my first car, I was driving my second car – a [...]

1 John 2:18-27 Purpose : The promise of eternal life is to those who remain in the Son and the Father. Introduction As we continue our study of 1 John, we come to a text that serves as the basis for theological debate. Our purpose is to leave that debate to others. We acknowledge that [...]

1 John 2:15-17 Purpose : To remind that this world is temporary. The real reward is to do the will of God. Introduction There is much in this world that is commendable. Art, music, literature – all which can either be a manifestation of God’s image of creativity found in man or can be debased [...]

1 John 2:7-14 Purpose : The will of God includes not sinning and loving others. Introduction John writes his letter to God’s people in order to reassure and bring confidence in their walk with God. Uncertainty has entered because a group claiming special insight and knowledge have pulled away. Their absence and claims have left [...]

1 John 2:1-2 Purpose: To lead the listener to recommit to the struggle to stop sinning but know that Jesus defends us when we do sin. Introduction John writes to restore confidence in God’s people. Shaken by the claims and actions of others, God’s people are having a hard time maintaining their faith. In the [...]

1 John 1:5-10 Purpose : To align with God, one must confess sin; alignment with God and others is synonymous. Introduction If you have ever been part of a congregational split then you know how damaging it is to the spirit and confidence of members who remain behind. Those who pull away usually feel justified [...]

Matthew 7:13-23 Purpose : When presented with the choice affecting our eternal destiny, we will choose Jesus. Introduction Holiday season. Typically we begin to see the increase in crowds. The day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday. Big sales. People shopping. Last year a person was trampled to death in a stampede entering into a [...]

Matthew 7:1-6 Purpose : To develop a spirit of humility and grace toward others. Introduction Each generation has individuals which make a mark in our society. These individuals are often obscure until through an event or series of events they come into the limelight. Such a person was Marian Anderson. Marian Anderson was born in [...]

Matthew 6:25-34 Purpose : Worry and faith do not go together. Introduction Bobby McFerrin sang to us in 1988 “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” The only acapella song to reach #1; the song won several grammys including “Best Song.” It was a catchy tune. The background to the song is interesting. An guru from India used [...]