A Profile of Genuine Belief

Jim Leffel

Romans 12:1

A comparative look at the faith of Mary, the sister of Lazarus, to that of Judas and the other disciples.They all witnessed Lazarus' resurrection, but Mary's faith expressed at a dinner six days before the Passover is an example for all. She gave everything she had by pouring out her expensive perfume on Jesus out of devotion to him. She left a legacy of faith that speaks almost 2,000 years later.

Tough Love

Scott Risley

2 Thessalonians 3:1

Instruction on the principle of biblical loving discipline, or the importance of exercising "tough love" in the Christian community is given. Paul writes, "keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life." Though at first glance such a statement might seem judgmental and unloving, according to the Bible, taking a hard stance on biblical truth is one of the most loving things fellow Christians can do for one another. Those who follow God have a decision to make: will the body of Christ imitate the apathy of the postmodern world, or will we choose to love people, no matter the cost?

Striving to Love One Another

Scott Risley

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

Paul directs the Thessalonians to help three specific groups of people in three specific ways: 1) admonish the unruly, lazy, and rebellious; 2) encourage the fainthearted, suffering, or those facing failures; 3) help the spiritually and physically weak. Paul also calls the church to be patient and gracious with all types of people.

Overcoming Obstacles to Love Relationship: Resentfulness

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 18:21-35

Resentfulness and bitterness are real barriers to the love that we have toward other people. God has forgiven everyone for their sins, this includes you. Are you willing to forgive others like God forgave you?

Serving Love and the Body of Christ (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:11-15

In the Body of Christ, Christians are called to warn, encourage, help, and extend grace to one another. All of these actions are to be done with the vital quality of patience, a quality that differs drastically from softness. When these actions are consistently practiced in a community of believers, true spiritual growth and a tangible demonstration of God's love ensues.

Overcoming Obstacles to Love Relationship: Personal Flaws and Scars

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Physical, psychological, and relational flaws or baggage can hinder our relationships and lower our self esteem. God has adopted us as his sons and daughters and He has given us a new identity. We can fight the aspects of these issues that we have control over by acting on the truth of our new identities in Christ.

Close Christ-Centered Friendships

Gary DeLashmutt

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

God wants us to be able to have relationships that can go deeper than just a casual friendship. These close friendships involve regular time spent, vulnerability, and sacrificially loving one another. These relationships are often the venue for us to experience true Biblical love.

Spiritual Friendship

Scott Risley

1 Thessalonians 3:5

Paul stresses the importance of spiritual friendships by describing his relationship with the Thessalonians. Hindrances to spiritual friendships involve 1) Satan's attack on spiritual relationships; 2) codependency; 3) being disengaged. The strengths and weaknesses of the tribal and diffuse approach to relationships are also explained.

Serving Love and Sexuality

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

God's will for Christians in the area of sexuality is to serve others by abstaining from sex outside of marriage and pursuing a life centered around God's view of love. Contrary to popular belief, this command is not a mere cultural construct but rather the only path to a fulfilling and healthy life, and research has shown that following the world's view of sexuality has serious consequences. Christians who are single can prepare for their future marriages and sex lives by growing in God's love and learning relational skills in the body of Christ now.