Last Friday night, before heading home, I wrote down three different conclusions for Sunday’s sermon.  All three would be good.  But all three together would be confusing.  I let myself roll into Saturday and let the sermon ruminate in my head.  By the time Saturday night rolled around, I still did not have clarity on how to end the sermon.  I decided to get up extra early on Sunday and landed with the ending of 1 Corinthians 13 that I did.  There was quite a bit that I cut out of the sermon.  For most of this post, I’ll cover some items I cut out.  

A Quote

In his book Charity and Its Fruits, Jonathan Edwards wrote a chapter called “Heaven: A World of Love.”  Here’s a quote from that chapter:  “There even in heaven dwells that God from whom every stream of holy love, yes, every drop that is or ever was proceeds.  There dwells God the Father, and so the Son, who are united in infinitely dear and incomprehensible mutual love. There dwells God the Father, who is the Father of mercies, and so the Father of love, who so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life [John 3:16].  There dwells Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, the Prince of peace and love, who so loved the world that He shed His blood, and poured out His soul unto death for it.  There is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of divine love, in whom the very essence of God, as it were, all flows out or is breathed forth in love, and by whose immediate influence all holy love is shed abroad in the hearts of all the church [cf. Romans 5:5].  There in heaven this fountain of love, this eternal three in one, is set open without any obstacle to hinder access to it.”

The “laws of love”

I have heard many people say they cannot love others as God calls them to.  Usually, people give me various reasons why they cannot love certain people.  My response is:  you’re right, without the power of Christ at work in you.  And I tell them that we are never outside the ‘laws of love’ and God calls us to love all people with a God-empowered love that only He can work in us.

People reply, “You don’t know how dumb my neighbors are.”  My response:  Are they dumber than you’ve been before God?  God called you to love your neighbors (Mt. 22:39)

Others say, “You don’t know what these people have done to me.”  My response:  Was it worse than what the Jewish leaders did to Jesus?  Jesus told us to love our enemies (Mt. 5:44)

Still, others say, “You don’t realize how hurtful my spouse or children have been to me.”  My response:  Was it more hurtful than some of Jesus’ family members who didn’t believe in him before He died and abandoned him when he went to the cross?  He calls us to love our spouse and our children. 

You will notice that we’re never outside the ‘laws of love.’  Neighbors, enemies, family, and others in the church.  This is the actual test of our love.   

Others tell me that “God told me to love people.  He didn’t say I had to like them.”  My response:  Aren’t you glad that God loved and likes you?  I’m not sure you can justify the sentiment of love and not like from the Bible.  

The Story of “All You Need Is Love”

On June 25, 1967, the 1st international satellite broadcast connected national TV broadcasts from 25 nations, and they called the show “Our World,” with one performer representing each country on the broadcast.  The BBC, Britain’s broadcasting company, naturally chose The Beatles.  Knowing the moment and what was transpiring around the world with the Vietnam War, John Lennon wrote the song “All You Need Is Love” for that broadcast.  It was the 1st time this song was performed. The song’s chorus says, “All you need is love, All you need is love, All you need is love.  Love is all you need.”  Paul McCartney wrote this about those lyrics, “‘All You Need Is Love’ was John’s song. The chorus, ‘All you need is love,’ is simple, but the verse is quite complex; in fact, I never really understood it; the message is rather complex.’”

Didn’t Come Out the Way I Intended

Have you ever had a moment when you wanted to say something, and it came out completely wrong?  Well, try doing that in front of 400 people. 🤦‍♂️  It happened to me on Sunday.  If you were there, you’ll remember my comment about receiving Christmas cards.  

What I wanted to say was that my sinful heart sinfully compares myself and my family with the glossy pics. My sinful heart compares the adventures I read about with the adventures I have had.  It was about my sinful heart. 

What came out was that when I received Christmas cards, I critically judged the people, or because I knew them, I knew they were not really doing that well.  That was NOT what I was trying to say.  I can only imagine how self-conscious that would make people sending us a Christmas card next year.  I told Jill that we might not get any!  

This was one of those moments when I had an example that was not written ahead of time in my notes, and it came out really bad.  Sorry about that, and please don’t hesitate to send us your cards.  I promise not to judge you😉…  

Looking Ahead

This Sunday, we will continue our Advent study while rejoicing in Christ coming for us.  This Sunday, I aim to show how Jesus fulfilled hope, peace, joy, and love.    

From the Cheap Seats

• These comments by Chip Kelly about the demise of the Pac-12 are spot on:  https://www.outkick.com/ucla-chip-kelly-college-football-pac-12-big-ten/.  
• “Nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills.”
• The 49ers are the best team in football.  They’re very good.  Christian McCaffrey and Brock Purdy are really fun to watch.  But man, are they good.  
• I’m very grateful for the Seahawks.  Thank you for beating the Eagles.  
• It seems to me that Tommy DeVito has gotten a little too big for his britches:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39146247/pizzeria-cancels-tommy-devito-event-qb-appearance-fee

For Your Christmas Week

• Here’s a letter that was written by a British soldier about the famous Christian Eve during WWI:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQgR1h2Rogg.
• Even though I’m not a huge Russell Moore fan, this post he wrote in 2016 is very helpful:  https://www.russellmoore.com/2016/11/23/holiday-family-tensions/.

Have a great week! Christ is King!

In Christ, 

Dave York