THE POWER OF LOVEPassages That Pump Me Up

Message Series - Part 907-26-15

Pastor Chuck Bernal

The importance of connecting people in the church cannot be overemphasized. Relationships are the glue that holds a church together. In a recent survey

people were asked, “Why did you join your church?” 93% said, “I joined because of the pastor”. When asked, “What if the pastor leaves, will you leave?” That same 93% said, “No. Because I have friends here!” Strong relationships are one of the keys to a healthy church and no church will be stronger than the relationships its people have with each other. In fact, in the same survey, 400 church dropouts were asked why they left and 75% said “Nobody really cared about me.” The lesson: the church is to be based in and built on love and it if isn't, it will never accomplish God’s purposes in our lives or in the world. (Rick Warren)

LOVE: OUR GREATEST COMMANDMENTThe most important commandment says: You must love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second most important commandment says: Love others as much as you love yourself. No other commandment is more important than these. (Mark 12:30-31 – CEV)

Loving God and loving others is the most _________________ thing in life

LOVE: OUR GREATEST MESSAGE

So I give you a new command: Love each other deeply and fully. Remember the ways that I have loved you, and demonstrate your love for others in those same ways. (John 13:34 – The Voice)

I’m giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same exact way that I have loved you. (John 13:34 – NOGB)

We are to love others the __________ ________ _____ that Jesus love us!

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (John 13:34-35 – The Voice)

Everyone will know you as My followers if you demonstrate your love to others. (John 13:35 – The Voice)

We show the world that Christianity is _______________ by loving others

LOVE: OUR GREATEST CHALLENGEIf you've got it in you, get along with everybody. (Romans 12:18 –

Msg)

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

(Romans 12:18 – NIV)

With God’s help, we should try our hardest to get along with

_______________________________________________________

LOVE: THE 5 C’S OF GREAT CHURCH RELATIONSHIPS

Here’s what I want you to do . . . pour yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences. You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly . . . What this adds up to is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell each other the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. Go ahead and be angry —but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life . . . Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.  Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart . . . Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.

(Ephesians 4:3-4, 25-32 – Msg)

____________________________ - We are a family no matter what happens

_______________________ - We must be open and honest with each other

___________________________ - We need to forgive and not hold grudges

___________________________ - We should always try and help each other

___________________________ - We will grow stronger as we grow closer

LOVE: OUR GREATEST COMMANDMENT

Loving God and loving others is the most IMPORTANT thing in life

LOVE: OUR GREATEST MESSAGE

We are to love others the EXACT SAME WAY that Jesus love us!

We show the world that Christianity is REAL by loving others

LOVE: OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE

With God’s help, we should try our hardest to get along with

EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY

LOVE: THE 5 C’S OF GREAT CHURCH RELATIONSHIPS

COMMITMENT - We are a family no matter what happens

COMMUNICATION - We must be open and honest with each other

CONFLICT RESOLUTION - We need to forgive and not hold grudges

COMPASSION - We should always try and help each other

CONNECTION - We will grow stronger as we grow closer