Transcript - Wednesday 24, 2024
Welcome to the Glorified One, the non-denominational online church.
Today’s message is: Return to Love: Reclaiming the Heart of Jesus' Message,
Sermon Number 200
Hello
Friends,
Today, we gather to delve
deeply into the core of Christ's teachings—love. In a world where
division and discord seem rampant, it’s essential to remind
ourselves of Jesus' fundamental command: to love one another. Yet,
somehow, this simple yet profound message often gets lost, twisted,
or forgotten. How did this happen, and more importantly, how can we,
as a society and as individuals, return to this foundational
teaching?
The
Clarity of Christ's Message
Jesus' directive was
clear. In John 13:34, He tells us, "A new command I give you:
Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
This commandment was not buried in parables or hidden in metaphors—it
was direct and straightforward.
And in Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus simplifies all the Law and the Prophets into two commandments centered on love: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Misconstructions
and Misinterpretations
So, how did such a clear
message become so misconstrued? Throughout history, human beings have
struggled with selfishness, pride, fear, and power. These elements
can distort even the purest teachings. People have often used
religion, including Christianity, to justify personal or political
agendas, leading to actions that starkly contrast with the message of
love.
Additionally, cultural, social, and personal biases can lead us to select and interpret teachings in a way that confirms our pre-existing beliefs or prejudices, rather than challenging us to grow. Yet, it is not only a command but a pathway to peace. Galatians 5:14 reinforces this: "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
What
Can We Do
Self-examination
and Repentance: It
begins within. We must ask ourselves hard questions about how we may
have deviated from the path of love. Are there prejudices or fears in
us that prevent us from loving others as Christ loved us?
Active
Compassion: Love in
action can transform. Jesus didn’t just preach love; He lived it by
feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and walking among the
disenfranchised. We are called to do the same in our
communities.
Community
Building: It’s
easier to love in a supportive community. Engage in or initiate
community activities that promote unity and understanding. Love grows
in community and is stifled in isolation.
A
Scripture to
Guide Us
John
3:16-17
16 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.
17
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but
that the world through him might be saved.
As
we reflect on these scriptures and the message of Christ, let us
strive to be purveyors of love. In a world eager to divide and quick
to judge, let us be agents of unity and grace. Remember, the call to
love is not just theological; it is practical, transformative, and
radical. It is what the world needs now, more than ever. Let us then
go forth, filled with the Spirit of God, to live and love boldly, as
Jesus taught us.
May the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, guide our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
(end of sermon)
Let us turn to Matthew 6:5-15 for the Lord’s Prayer
5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the churches and on the street corners that they may be seen by all. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our
Father who
art in
heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
10
Your kingdom come. Your will be done on
earth as it
is
in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12
And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
13
And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil. For
thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
14 “For if you forgive people of their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive people their sins, neither will your Father forgive your sins.
I am going to pray a simple prayer for those of you who want to give your life to the Lord today so you can enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus, I come to you today to admit that I am a sinner. I admit that I cannot live without you and I need a savior. I turn from my sins and ask that you forgive me today, right here, right now, and create in me a clean heart. Give me your new life that is abundant and free. I accept your free gift of salvation. I accept your mercy and grace. Come and live within me, change my life, and lead me all of the rest of my days. I give my life to you. Thank you for loving me. Help me to learn to love you in return. In your name I pray, amen.
If you have just prayed this prayer with me, welcome Child of God to the Kingdom of Heaven.
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