His Love is Made Complete in Us

Yesterday, the final point of the sermon was that it is God’s Spirit that enables his people to love. It is not simply a natural act for us to love others in the way God loves. It is only possible through the power of God’s Spirit living within us. 1 John 4:11-12 says, “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us,” (NIV). This divine love is something that this world needs.

While I was preaching, I thought of the testimony of a person named Yassir Eric. He is now a pastor, but was born and raised in a radicalized Muslim community and household. Josanne and I had the privilege of hearing his speak a few years ago. His testimony is powerful. I encourage you to read his story here. It is a powerful example of the power of loving and praying for our enemies. Even those who would persecute us directly. Here’s one powerful line from this article: “Like the apostle Paul, . . .  I had once been a persecutor of Christians. But Jesus loved me when I was his enemy. And in 2008, he showed me the extent of that love.” I encourage you to read this article and to think about what it means for us to love others with the same love with which God loved us.

I have said before and I said again yesterday that if the Church could grasp the power inherent in Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21, it would spur us on to make a huge difference in our communities and in the world. I believe in the power of God that is available to his people through his Holy Spirit. What is impossible for people is absolutely possible for God.

Remember that next week we’ll be meeting at Funk’s Grove for our worship service. The service begins at 10am and we’ll be meeting indoors in the chapel there. Our friends from the Presbyterian Church will be there to worship with us. Following this, we will share a meal in the picnic shelter there. Bring a side dish or dessert to share. Meat will be provided. It’s a great time to invite along a friend for this special service.

We all have so much that’s going on. I would encourage you to remember to pray for one another.

Hope to see you Sunday!

God bless, Brian

Scripture readings for next Sunday

Psalm 85—What promises has God made to his people here?

2 Peter 1:3-11—What does this passage teach us about our response to God’s promises?

Isaiah 57:14-21—What does this say about God’s restoration?

John 14:23-31—What does Jesus promise in this passage?