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Love Within The Body
November 10, 2002
Pastor Nicky Joya talked about the only service
acceptable to God - the service that springs from love. Quoting the
verses of Romans 12:9-11, he said that while there can be service
without love, there can be no love without service.
The essence of service is emphasizing God's love.
Rather than a burden, service should be viewed as a privilege or a
gift coming from God. In service, we use for God's purpose His
spiritual gifts such as healing, leading, teaching, giving, doing
miracles, speaking in tongue and interpreting, showing mercy, helping and
encouraging.
Service is never hard but spontaneous for someone
who loves God and his fellowman. In love, the following attributes
are always present:
A. The Sincerity of Love - "My service seeks
nothing in return." 9 Love must be sincere.
Love reaches for the hurt and takes bold steps
without self-interest. It can accomplish unbelievable things merely
because it is so void of self-interest. (Calvin Miller,
"Rethinking Suburban Evangelism," Leadership, 1988, p. 68)
B. The Righteousness of Love - "I want to see
you grow in holiness."
Hate what is evil; cling to what it good.
"Love without righteousness is hypocrisy. Righteousness without love is brutality."
C. The Devotion of Love - "I will not give up
on you."
10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
D. The Others-Focus of Love -
"Your needs are more important than mine."
Honor one another above yourselves.
E. The Persistence of Love - "You can always be assured of my
service."
11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual
fervor, serving the Lord.
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"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."
I Corinthians 13:4-7
Verses quoted from the NIV
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