Message: “Garden of Love” from Pastor Joe

Garden of Love Objectives: General---To understand the importance of love as the most important factor in the Christian life Specific:   All will be able to identify at minimum 6 of the characteristics of love as described in 1 Corinthians  Chapter 13 Explain the importance of fertile ground for the planting of love Explain the importance of “curb appeal” as it relates to love Explain why garden needs continuous weeding Identify plan of action to weed your personal garden   Scriptures:  1 Corinthian 13; Matthew 13: 18-23 Galatians 5: 22-23 Introduction: Love is the most importance factor in the life of a Christian If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing 1Corinthians 13: 1-4 Matthew 22: 35-40 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”                                                                 7 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Let all that you do be done in love 1 Corinthians 16: 14 Characteristics of true love Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. How to obtain these characteristics is by preparing our hearts to receive God’s love Plow the ground in our heart- and make it fertile Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Ephesians 4:23 - And be renewed in the spirit of your mind How do others see you (curb appeal) John 13: 35  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Galatians 5: 22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Matthew 5: 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven Gardens need continuous weeding Weeds take away nourishment from the flowers and plants Weeds grow unintentionally Growing flowers must be intentional What weeds need to be removed to enhance your garden?    

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From Series: "Sunday Service"

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