Lost Love? Only God Can Tell? (“Fail Not” #4)
(A Message to the Members)
(Preached Wednesday Evening, September 16, 2020)
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
(Luke 22:31-32)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
(John 3:16)
Introduction
Introducing the following new series:
Real Answers from a Real God to Real Hard Questions from Real People #1:
“Modern Day Pastors, Why Can’t You Answer the Gungors?”
Comment: The church (those who are supposedly called out of the world by Christ) began in Love (1 John 4:8) and then… devolved.
I. Jesus sent you on a mission of love!
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)
II. Jesus assured you that he’d be with you as you share his love!
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)
III. You were warned what would happen if you didn’t share his love!
“Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” (1 Corinthians 8:1b)
IV. You didn’t share his love; and look what happened to you!
A. You became unwise!
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)
B. You became unkind!
“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” (Romans 14:1)
“Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.” (Romans 14:1, NASB)
C. You became unloving!
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1)
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” (Matthew 7:15-16)
D. You became unchristian!
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)
V. Repent, return, recommit, and share his love!
VI. It begins, continues, and is always about love! His love!!
“We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
VII. Come back to love! His love!!
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (Revelation 2:4-5)
VIII. Live again and always… in his love!!
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:5)
Conclusion
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8)
OUTLINE:
“Fail Not” 4: Strengthen Your Faith in God’s Word As Your Guide!
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
I. Jesus sent you on a mission of love!
II. Jesus assured you that he’d be with you as you share his love!
III. You were warned what would happen if you didn’t share his love!
IV. You didn’t share his love; and look what happened to you!
V. Repent, return, recommit, and share his love!
VI. It begins, continues, and is always about love! His love!!
VII. Come back to love! His love!!
VIII. Live again and always… in his love!!
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8)
WORSHIP:
Opening:
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (530)
Message: