Posts with the tag “love”

In Deuteronomy 27, we're reminded of the profound importance of committing wholeheartedly to God's covenant. The chapter details a ceremony where the Israelites were to confirm their commitment to God's law, emphasizing the gravity of their covenant relationship. This ancient ritual holds surprising relevance for us today. Just as the Israelites were called to publicly declare their allegiance, we too are invited to confirm our commitment to God, not through stone monuments, but through faith in Christ. The passage beautifully illustrates how our spiritual journey involves planning, pondering, and performing our commitment to God. It challenges us to consider: Are we merely going through religious motions, or are we truly living out our faith in every aspect of our lives? This message urges us to move beyond superficial religiosity and embrace a genuine, transformative relationship with God, rooted in Christ's finished work on the cross.  Read More

This blog post explores the common question, “If God’s grace is free, why am I expected to obey Him or love and serve others?” by unpacking a fundamental misunderstanding about the nature and effect of grace. Rather than demanding anything, true grace—God’s undeserved, unmerited, and unobligated favor—transforms those who receive it. Through a biblical lens, the post explains that grace meets us in our spiritual death, makes us alive in Christ, and empowers us to live differently, not out of obligation but as a joyful response. Obedience, love, and service are not expectations placed on us to earn grace, but the fruit produced by grace within us. The right question is not why grace expects something, but how grace so deeply changes us that we long to obey and serve in return.  Read More

This week, we're challenged to reflect on our role as our brother's keeper. The central message revolves around God's call for His people to be generous and compassionate, mirroring His own nature. We're reminded that as God's children, we're not just recipients of His blessings, but channels through which His love flows to others. The tithe, often seen as a burden, is reframed as a joyful act of worship and a means to support God's mission and care for the needy. This passage beautifully illustrates how our generosity isn't just about giving money, but about reflecting God's character in our relationships and community. As we consider the Sabbath year of release and the call to open-handedness, we're invited to examine our own hearts. Are we holding tightly to what we think we've earned, or are we living with the same generous spirit that God has shown us? This message challenges us to see our resources, whether financial or relational, as tools to bless others and glorify God.  Read More

This article explores the foundational role of love in the life and mission of the church. Love is presented as the keystone of obedience, the means by which mission is accomplished both within and outside the church body, and the whetstone that sharpens and strengthens the people of God. Through Scripture and practical reflection, the article challenges believers to examine their personal and communal expressions of love and encourages a renewed commitment to embodying Christlike love that glorifies God and advances His kingdom.  Read More