April 28, 2024
Greetings and blessings to all of you. Let’s talk about LOVE. First John 4:16-19 says, “God is Love and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this that we may have boldness in the day of judgement because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. we love him because he first loved us.” In what ways does our culture abuse the notion of LOVE to justify actions God says are sinful? Our culture seems to have their “love” directed toward their own interests and desires, love then for them can become a fuzzy excuse to do whatever they want. For love to be the kind of love God intends, it requires the moral boundaries of Scripture; so- called love that denies moral boundaries is really just another way of saying, “God is not in charge I am”. The biblical concept of love does not mean that we can disregard God’s rules. Christians should not use vague and unbiblical notion of love as an excuse to circumvent Gods moral boundaries. When we are born again, the love of Christ serves as a sort of internal moral restraint keeping a person we are dealing with and ourselves within the boundaries of God’s moral law. Therefore, when we are ministering with others, we as Christians have a responsibility to LOVE them- truly Love them. But the powers of darkness try to get our hearts to be set on things of this world by causing us to agree with ideologies that are not of God. The contemporary church has grown content with a user -friendly problem- solving approach; that allows people to remain in their comfort zones without seriously being challenged to live righteously even when God has given the us the truth. The issues of our day that has crept into our churches are abominable to God. We are called as true Christians to come against homosexuality, transgender issues, abortion, pornography, same sex marriages. Why? Because love requires us to stand in opposition to behaviors that will likely hurt or kill others. Christians must distinguish between the differences that are of no consequences and those that are important! Christians must be the salt and light with wisdom. “For the kingdom is the Lords and He rules over the nations.” (Psalm 22:28) Know Christ-Love Correctly!
With the Love of Christ
First Lady Vivian C. Currie
Pastor ALC