Hey Centennial,
I first sketched out this sermon series almost two years ago. I didn’t have every passage confirmed for every week, but I had a strong outline based on the great work of our preaching team. I never would have dreamed that, over a year into our study of Matthew’s gospel, I’d end up preaching about love on Valentine’s Day weekend. Ha!
But that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Let me be clear: this sermon is not going to be sweet sentimentality. There is no room in God’s kingdom for love that is just sappy feeling or mere passion. When we see just how big the word “love” is in the gospels, we discover that:
Love is the greatest power the world has ever known.
It’s a power that has teeth. The love of God, at work through His people, has dismantled forces of injustice, accomplished great works of compassion, confronted every possible form of evil, and led people—both in great and small ways—to give their lives for the sake of others.
Here’s the problem:
Far too often, we try to live our lives on our own power instead of depending on the power of the love of God.
So, here’s my challenge: will you come to worship this Sunday ready to ask yourself a very serious question?
Is there anything in my life that I am placing ahead of my love for God and for neighbor?
If we’re honest, every single one of us should answer “yes” to that in some way. We all struggle to keep our lives fully committed to and dependent on God. But here’s the good news: if we’re humble enough to admit that about ourselves, God has already promised to make His power great precisely when we acknowledge our weakness.
May we find the courage to admit our weakness—and discover the joy of God’s power.
I’m eager to gather and worship as a community this weekend. I’m praying that the love of God would not remain an abstract idea but become a real and transforming power in your life and in our community. If you think of it, I’d love for you to pray this prayer with me:
God may Your love work powerfully in and through our lives. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Karl