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8/05/01 Past/Future Articles |
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8/05/01 Past/Future Articles |
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Love is the essence of all acceptable religion. Love, however, must embody two tables - love to God and love to man. If either is left out, then we have only one part which is pleasing and acceptable to God. We must have both parts.
"And this commandment we have from Him, that he who loveth God love his brother also." (I John 4:21) We must notice from the above passage of scripture that the love of God must be first always. This is where it all begins. "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome." (I John 5:3)
Christ said in John 13:34, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you . . ." Christ loved us first; He died for us when we were sinners. Our Lord said, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:37) In Matthew 7:21 in part, we read, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;. . . ." We must love him and do His will as He has commanded. The more we love God, the more we will love our brother. These are two essential links in the golden chain of eternal salvation.
Right now, this very minute, is there anything in your life that means more than Jesus? If so, get rid of it! Love Him with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Serve Him faithfully in all things always. He longs to save you, and even died on the cross to do so.
Hope to see you Sunday!
Charlie Turner, Elder