The Power Of Love

The Power Of Love

Matthew 22:34-40

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. (35) One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: (36) "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" (37) Jesus replied: "’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ (38) This is the first and greatest commandment. (39) And the second is like it: ’Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (40) All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Introduction:

1. From Columbine to Red Lake, CEO’s stealing millions of dollars, crooked politicians make it hard to trust government, and churches split into thousands of different sects, one has to cry out where is the power of love?

2. It is Tuesday. It is the week that Jesus would be crucified. The Son of God is being tested. The religious leaders are trying to have Him arrested, to do away with Him, crucified Him. Where is the power of love?

IT IS IN GOD’S HANDS

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Hosea 3:1 "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes."

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

IT IS IN OUR HANDS

Just two commands, not Ten Commandments, not a creed book, not by-laws, just two Jesus says.

As A Country return to “In God we trust.”

As A Church return to "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

Using just the Bible.

As A Community return to “do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Mathew 7:12)

As Couples return to “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Conclusion:

1. God has shown us the power of love in just two commands: Love Him and Love others.

2. Loving Him means His way. John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command.