Sermon Recap
This Week we launched into Part of The Narrow Way Series which is all about “Becoming Like Jesus.” This week Pastor John taught on The Way of Love emphasizing that love is at the very core of God's nature and His kingdom. The foundational message is that God created humanity to be the recipients of His overwhelming and unconditional love, not to perform, earn, or strive for it. Referencing John 3:16 and 1 John 4:7-19, the message highlighted that God loved us first, even in our imperfection, sending Jesus as the ultimate demonstration of His love. This selfless and sacrificial love is the essence of the divine relationship God desires with us.
The sermon draws a parallel between God's love for humanity and a parent's love for their children. One of the illustrations used was how parental love—unearned and unconditional—provides a glimpse into God's greater, perfect love. This love is not based on performance or reciprocity but exists purely because of the intrinsic value of being His creation. God's love is constant, faithful, and unshaken by our shortcomings, a truth reinforced by scriptures like Romans 5:20 and Psalm 139, which celebrate God's intimate knowledge of and commitment to us.
Love is the defining culture and law of God's kingdom! God’s love is NOT the burden of religious rituals and legalism. Jesus simplified the law into two commandments: love God and love others, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40. This relational and love-centered approach eliminates the suffocating spirit of religion and calls believers into a deep, intimate relationship with God. The foundation of all ministry and life transformation flows from this divine love, which enables us to serve, evangelize, and create environments of honor and dignity.
Finally, Pastor John called believers to embrace "The Way of Love" by saying "yes" to Jesus and pursuing His presence above all else. Intimacy with God allows His love to transform us into agents of His kingdom, spreading His love through our actions and attitudes. In God's love, there is life, creativity, and the power to bring meaningful change to the world. This is the ultimate calling for all who follow Jesus: to live in and express His love, as it is through love that His kingdom advances and thrives.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
Reflecting on the sermon’s message that "God created you to be the recipient of His overwhelming, extravagant love," what are some barriers that might prevent us from fully receiving and embracing God’s love? How can we overcome those barriers?
The sermon draws a comparison between a parent’s love for their child and God’s love for us. How does understanding this analogy deepen your appreciation of God’s unconditional love? Can you share a personal experience that helped you grasp God’s love in a new way?
Jesus summarized the law with two commandments: to love God and love others. In what ways can we better reflect God's love in our daily relationships and interactions? What practical steps can you take this week to live out "The Way of Love"?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your overwhelming and unconditional love for us. Help us to fully receive and embrace this love, setting aside any feelings of unworthiness or striving. Transform our hearts so that we can reflect Your love in our relationships and daily lives. Teach us to love as You love, selflessly and sacrificially, so that others may see You through us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Life Application
Spend intentional time this week in God’s presence to reflect on His love for you: Set aside time each day to pray and think on scriptures like John 3:16 and 1 John 4:7-19, and allow God to speak to your heart about His unconditional love. Let this time deepen your understanding of how loved and valued you are by Him.
Demonstrate God’s love in a practical way to someone this week: Identify a person in your life who might need encouragement, kindness, or support, and take intentional steps to show love to them. This could be through a kind word, an act of service, or simply spending time listening and being present. Let your actions reflect the selfless love of Christ.
Don’t Forget
Register For:
“Dying to Live” starts Wednesday Jan 15
Kids Club “Creation” starts Wednesday Jan 15
“Starting Point” Sunday Jan 26
Additional Resources
Discussion Guide Index| Sermon Playback & Video | Spotify Playlist | Church Center App