Podcasts about Perfect Love

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Forgive and one fulfills the Royal Law. Jesus Christ is God's unconditional Perfect Love unto ALL who in BELIEVING are found willing to also SHARE him with the WORLD.Contact Us: Covenants.llc1@yahoo.com; CovenantsOnLine.com; @COVENANTS; or call 304.528.9220.

26 The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord's people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.Colossians 1:26-27  Teaching Text: 2 Cor 3:12-18, 12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  O God, O God,The plan which You had from the beginning, regarding Your Kimyals,which already existed in Your Spirit.The month that You had set, the day that You had set, has come to pass today.O my Father, my Father,the promise that You gave Simeon that he would see Jesus Christand hold Him in his arms before he died.I also have been waiting under that same promise, O God.You looked at all the different languages and chose which ones will be put into Your Word.You thought that we should see Your Word in our language.Today, the day You had chosen for this to be fulfilled, has come to pass.O God, today You have placed Your Word into my hands, just like You promised.You have placed it here in our land.And for all this, O God, I give You praise.The truth is…Christ...IN.YOU.Not over there.Not one day.Not after you get your life together.Christ in you.The hope of glory.This is where striving begins to die.   Christianity doesn't begin with obtaining more of Christ.It begins by discovering that He has already given Himself to you completely. 2 Cor 3:12-18, 12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  "The gospel is the declaration that Jesus Christ has come to do for us what we could never do for ourselves." — Tim Keller.  Revelation 3:20,”20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” To my hurt. (Sin & Pain)To my longing. (Searching for Purpose) Matthew 6:19-21,”19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  To my soul. (Desire for Perfect Love) 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, ”Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”- He holds our soul perfectly and fulfills our desire for soul care truly.   Genesis 1:1-5,”1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.”   Hebrews 4:12-16,”12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  2 Cor 3:17,” Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”   John 10:9-11,”9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  

In this fifty-first sermon in the series "The Word Become Flesh: Jesus Alive in Us", Pastor Phil Kim shares a sermon entitled, “Perfect Love Crucified (John 19:17-37).”Link to Sermon notes and Wednesday Bible Study page: ⁠https://waialaebaptist.org/worshipservices/Join us on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. for a Bible study led by the preaching pastor on the upcoming sermon passage. Attend either in person or via Zoom. Please ⁠contact us⁠ if you would like to receive the Zoom link.Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://waialaebaptist.org/⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/WaialaeBaptistChurch⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/waialaebaptistchurch/⁠YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/c/WaialaeBaptistChurch

No Perfect Love by Adesuwa O'Man Nwokedi is the book that finally introduced me to Adesuwa's writing, and I completely understand the hype now. My friend, Detee, insisted I read it and even got me a copy. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. Adesuwa dey write abeg.The story explores love, marriage, family, old flames, adultery, obsession, and healing. I found myself really frustrated with how Tobe treated Gina, but it also reminded me that relationships don't usually fall apart overnight. They slowly crack through poor communication and neglect, and I was glad to see how they eventually found their way back.Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I finished it in just three days, which is something I haven't done in a long time. It has definitely made me want to read more of Adesuwa's books. Now, if anyone wants to bless me with the Ginika Bridesmaids set, my DMs are open.

This is message 59 in Gospel Record of John John 20:1-18 What appears to be defeat, silence, and unanswered sorrow is often the very place where God has already begun His greatest work. Long before His followers understood what was happening, God had already secured the victory over death and accomplished everything He had promised. The risen Christ meets grieving hearts with hope, confused hearts with truth, and devoted hearts with His presence. The resurrection reminds us that God is always working ahead of our fears, our questions, and our understanding, and that one word from the living Saviour can turn despair into worship and sorrow into joyful obedience. Don't forget to download our app for more from the Riverview Baptist Church. http://onelink.to/rbcapp Find more at https://riverviewbc.com/ Donate through PushPay https://pushpay.com/pay/riverviewbc

What does it mean to truly know that God loves us, not just as a fact we recite, but as a reality that reshapes how we live? In this deep dive into 1 John 4:16-18, we explore one of the most profound theological truths in all of scripture: God is love. This is not a sentiment for greeting cards or coffee mugs. It is the very nature of God himself, and when that love takes root in us, nothing stays the same. We look at how John builds his case throughout this letter, returning again and again to love as the clearest visible evidence that God is genuinely at work in a believer's life. The invisible God becomes visible through us, through the way we treat one another, through the way we extend grace in hard moments, and through the way we reflect his character into a watching world. We also wrestle honestly with why so many of us struggle to receive this love, how our upbringing, our wounds, and our circumstances can distort our picture of God. And yet the cross stands as God's eternal, unchanging declaration that his love is real and that it is for us. This message invites us to stop measuring God's love by our circumstances and to anchor our confidence in what Christ has already accomplished.

Mark Janzen's sermon from 1 John 4:7-21 as preached for our series in 1 John, at The Warman Communiplex with Grace Warman in Warman, SK. The post Perfect Love appeared first on | Grace Fellowship | Saskatoon Church | Warman Church.

What if the real reason you're struggling with food isn't lack of willpower... but fear?In today's episode, we're kicking off our brand new 1 John series by diving into 1 John 4:17-19 and exploring how fear silently drives so many of our food choices, body image struggles, and health habits.If you've ever found yourself: Afraid of gaining weight Feeling guilty after eating Exercising to "make up" for food Or punishing your body after enjoying a meal ...this episode is for you! Ready to start your journey? If this episode spoke to you and you're ready to heal your relationship with food, your body, and grow closer to God through it… Book a free 30-minute call with me here:

Send us Fan MailThis episode explains how something real could never change. If this world can change, adapt and alter its existence, then it can't be reality. The Kingdom of Heaven is changeless and has no need for change. Perfection, Peace, Joy and Perfect Love remain unaltered and are shared by everyone. It stands to reason that if this world is not real, then we have attached ourselves to an illusion. NamasteThanks for listeningemail: trifectanow3@gmail.comAlways Love, DenyseIf you want to and can support my mission to spread this message, please do. You can contribute to Denyse Wigglesworth by clicking my name; it takes you to BuyMeACoffee.com.  Any donations are welcome, greatly appreciated, and most gratefully received.

Send us Fan MailThe Sadducees: Marriage, Resurrection, And Perfect LoveJul 12, 2026  •  Eric StillmanIn the twenty-seventh sermon of the sermon series “Meeting Jesus”, we looked at Luke 20:27-39 and an interaction between Jesus and the Sadducees that touches on marriage, the resurrection, and perfect love.

Jul. 08, 2026 - Perfect Love Casts Out All FearPastor Ed Taylor1 John 4:18-21 | Study #162241 JOHN

Jase and Zach pipe in from the very first Walmart edition of ‘Unashamed,' complete with sardine breath, Nashville traffic, and a surprisingly full-circle flashback to the days when ‘Duck Dynasty' took over Walmart aisles. Al owns up to the embarrassing mistake he made about a roadside motel sign. Jase explains why he walked away from an event that wanted him to speak but leave Jesus out of the message. The guys continue their study of James with a deep dive into hearing versus obeying, the house built on the rock, the perfect law that gives freedom, and the love of God that restores our identity in Christ. In this episode: James 1:19-25; Matthew 7:24-29; Matthew 5-7; Genesis 1:26; Genesis 9; John 5; Proverbs 1; Isaiah 28; Matthew 24; 1 Corinthians 13; James 1:12; James 1:17; James 1:25; Luke 18:18-43; Psalm 51:11; 1 John 4:12-18 “Unashamed” Episode 1370 is sponsored by: https://ponchooutdoors.com/unashamed — Get $10 off your first order and free shipping when you enter your email! http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Special thanks to Create-It Studios in Franklin, Tennessee, for hosting this special edition of ‘Unashamed' Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Chapters 00:00 The Walmart Podcast Studio 07:08 Al's Car Miracle & Correction 12:48 Jase Drops Out of a “No Jesus” Event 19:01 Building Your House on the Rock 26:01 The Good Life vs. the Cheap Stuff 34:50 Look at the Fruits of Your Life 43:19 Perfect Love & Perfect Law — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phil Grossmann - Sunday morning devotional

Silvana Tuttle | 06.28.26

What do you do when life makes you doubt God's love? Suffering. Injustice. Personal pain. These things can shake even the most faithful believer. If God is love — why does it feel this way? In this message from the "Branches" series, Pastor Ben Kuerth opens 1 John 4:13-21 to show us that God's love is not a sentiment — it is action. Demonstrated supremely in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Savior of the world. And here's the power of that truth: perfect love drives out fear. The fear of judgment. The fear of not being enough. The fear that God has given up on you. All of it — cast out by the love of a God who proved His love at the cross. Because of Jesus, you can stand before God with real, unshakeable confidence. Not because you love perfectly, but because He does. And when that love fills you, it overflows into how you love others — becoming a living testimony of His grace, leading those around you from fear into faith. 

1 John 4:7-21 6/21/26

Until the scripture of meditation, the sound will be muted in order to protect our congregation's privacy. The Scripture for Meditation and the Scripture Reading will be posted below.

Until the scripture of meditation, the sound will be muted in order to protect our congregation's privacy. The Scripture for Meditation and the Scripture Reading will be posted below.

Until the scripture of meditation, the sound will be muted in order to protect our congregation's privacy. The Scripture for Meditation and the Scripture Reading will be posted below.

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Read OnlineOne of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Mark 12:28We continue to read about Jesus' various interactions, teachings, and prophetic actions in the Temple area during Passover, just days before He would be arrested and killed. During the week, Jesus cleansed the Temple of moneychangers and merchants and was confronted with hostility by various religious and political factions.First, a group of chief priests, scribes, and elders challenged His authority to cleanse the Temple and then unsuccessfully conspired with some Pharisees and Herodians to trap Him in a legal dilemma. Next, some Sadducees confronted Him, but Jesus' answer exposed their misunderstanding of the Scriptures and the power of God. In today's Gospel, after witnessing that exchange, a scribe—impressed by Jesus' answer—came forward. Rather than trying to trap Him, he asks a sincere question: “Which is the first of all the commandments?”At that time, the scribe's question reflected a common rabbinical discussion about the hierarchy of the Law. Perhaps because of the widespread disagreements among the various religious factions—priests, scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees—scholars often sought to determine a guiding principle for what had been identified in Jewish tradition as 613 commandments within the Torah. Some commandments, like the prohibition of idolatry, seemed weightier, while others, like dietary laws, were considered less important.Jesus' response does not simply rank the commandments; it reveals their true purpose by uniting them in a way that fulfills the entire Law. Instead of engaging in legalistic debates, He elevates the discussion by going directly to the heart of the Law with a twofold summary: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30–31). By doing so, Jesus shows that love—of God first and of neighbor as an extension of that law—is the foundation and fulfillment of every commandment.The scribe's response—“Well said, teacher”—demonstrates both humility and wisdom, and Jesus affirms his understanding: “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” This interaction contrasts with the previous confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders. Rather than trying to trap or discredit Jesus, the scribe listens attentively and responds with sincerity, and “No one dared to ask him any more questions” (Mark 12:32, 34).Many in the crowd had likely been following Jesus' encounters with the various religious and political factions throughout the week. At first, they may have been uneasy, seeing the repeated attempts to discredit Him. But as Jesus responded with authority and truth, they witnessed the growing contrast between those who sought to manipulate the Law for their own purposes and those who, like this scribe, genuinely desired to understand it.Our own lives are sometimes burdened with controversy and division. Whether in politics, religion, academics, or daily life, disagreements arise that can easily lead to contention. When unchecked, these conflicts can foster division, hostility, and even obsessions that steal our peace. Jesus' interaction with this scribe offers us a path forward: the way of humble inquiry, sincere dialogue, and the pursuit of Truth grounded in love. When we approach discussions with a heart open to God rather than with a desire to win an argument, we draw closer to His Kingdom. Reflect today on the witness of this scribe. Though Jesus' teaching on love of God and neighbor is of paramount importance, so is the example this scribe set in pursuit of the Truth. Consider your own approach to God's Truth by examining your daily interactions with others. Do you struggle with being combative, resort to trickery, or obsess over being right and getting your way? Or do you seek the Truth that brings understanding and unity? Seek to imitate this scribe in humility and sincerity, and you, too, will not be far from the Kingdom of God.Lord of Perfect Love, the fulfillment of Your Law is found in the pure and holy love of charity. Help me to love You above all things, and from that love, to see and treat others as You do. May my love for You transform me into an instrument of Your divine charity, that through me, Your love may bring healing, unity, and peace. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: The Scribe Stood to Tempt Jesus By James TissotSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

[ 1 John 4: 17-21 ] Part 17 of "1-3 John: Letters of Gospel Assurance"

1 John 4:13-21

Chaplain Porter: The Perfect Love that Changes Everything - 1 John 4:14-21 by Chaplain Braswell

Heaven is hard to picture because everything in us is trained to see life through “today.” In this episode, Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks try to imagine what eternal life in God's love would actually be like—and why that vision matters right now. Father shares how funerals naturally force the question: where are we headed, what are we made for, and why do we settle for compromised relationships that stay “safe” but never become truly trusting, vulnerable, or healed?Using a strong image, Father compares heaven to the picture on the front of a puzzle box: you place the pieces better when you know what the finished product looks like. Joe extends it with real puzzle experience—the piece you've stared at 15 times finally fits when you turn it the right way. The same is true in love: we can't fully “see the box cover” of perfect love, but we can get glimpses through our best relationships—and through the promises of Scripture.Father then describes a startling aspect of heaven: the glorified body—totally subject to the will, no longer hiding the interior. That means total vulnerability without terror, because everyone is fully reverenced, protected, and purified in love. Joe connects it to modern life: AI can feel like relational “Doritos”—tasty convenience that ultimately weakens real human connection. The episode closes with a practical path forward: if we want to love better, we need self-knowledge about the defenses we built (often pre-cognitively) from real wounds—and then the courage to take wise, measured risks toward trust and repair.Key IdeasHeaven's perfect love “blows dust off” what we settle for: guarded, minimized, conflict-avoiding relationships.A vision of heaven is like the puzzle-box picture: it motivates and guides how we place the pieces of daily love.The glorified body suggests total integration: body fully subject to will, interior fully expressed—total vulnerability without fear.Healing isn't “try harder”; it's letting ourselves be loved in places of shame, usually practiced first in trusted relationships.Growth path: increase self-knowledge about where we guard, why we don't trust, and whether repair/apology/confrontation is needed.Scripture Mentioned (no links)“Eye has not seen, ear has not heard…” (St. Paul quote referenced)“We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (St. John quote referenced)“Love one another as I have loved you” (Jesus' command referenced)Links & References (official/source only)None explicitly referenced with clear official/source URLs in this transcript.CTA: If this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.com .Tags (comma-separated)Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, heaven, eternal life, God is love, perfect love, glorified body, resurrection body, vulnerability, trust, intimacy, communion, relationships, healing, shame, being seen, being loved, self knowledge, self awareness, defenses, self protection, woundedness, triggers, conflict avoidance, reconciliation, repair, apology, confrontation, spiritual growth, discipleship, funerals, mortality, puzzle box analogy, jigsaw puzzle, Bob Ross puzzle, AI and relationships, technology and connection, sales and human connection, Lent fasting, habit change, loving correctly, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others

In this message from 2 Timothy 1:7, we look honestly at fear—not just surface fears like heights or roller coasters, but the deeper fears that drive our anger, anxiety, passivity, and performance. Through Paul's encouragement to a young and overwhelmed Timothy, we unpack what it really means that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. You'll hear how fear often hides underneath emotions like anger and control, why we so easily recognize the "spirit of fear" but struggle to recognize the Holy Spirit, and the crucial difference between trying to earn God's approval and resting in what Jesus has already finished. 

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Message from Jefferson Tokurah on April 8, 2026

04.05.2026 | Matthew 5:43–48 | Rev. Kent Woodrow

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear In this session from the sixth The Way of the Mystic revival weekend, David Hoffmeister explores the theme "Perfect love casts out fear: Shower the people you love with love." David uses this week's movie to illustrate the journey from a colorless, controlled existence to the vibrant reality of spiritual awakening. The discussion centers on a realm where "Sameness" has eradicated pain at the cost of deep emotion and true connection. David highlights how the ego's attempt to create a safe, predictable world by suppressing memories only serves to maintain spiritual slumber. David explores the necessity of reintegrating the "colors" of life—the feelings we feel—to truly understand the nature of love and wake up to truth. David guides us to realize that perfect love is a state of being reached when we allow the Giver - the Holy Spirit - to guide our every thought. Recognizing our true function is to hold the vision of the Kingdom of Christ, we find that the willingness to feel all emotions is the first step toward welcoming peace of mind and remembering God. These gatherings take place every weekend in February and March 2026 and include teachings, films, music, panel discussions, and live Q&A sessions with David Hoffmeister. Register for the Way of the Mystic for free here: https://programs.the-christ.net/courses/the-way-of-the-mystic To participate online in a Movie Gathering, join our online community: https://programs.the-christ.net/courses/membership-weekly-online-movie-gatherings Join our online community:  https://programs.the-christ.net/products/communities/tribe-of-christ If you are interested to know more about David Hoffmeister and Living Miracles events, here is more information:  https://circle.livingmiraclescenter.org/events. Read A Course in Miracles online here: https://acourseinmiraclesnow.com/ Learn more about David Hoffmeister here: https://davidhoffmeister.com

1) LOVE SHOWS UP AT THE PERFECT TIME 1 John 4:9-12 NIVDo I love others because God loves me?2) PERFECT LOVE GIVES ALL FOR US 1 John 3:16-18 NIVHave I thanked God for his sacrificial love for me?3) PERFECT LOVE IS GOD'S LOVE FOR US 1 John 4:16-19 NIV- Have I Accepted God's Perfect Love?

This week's message, The Path of Perfect Love, walks through 1 John 4:14–19 and the tension we feel when we fall short and begin to question where we stand with God. When you begin to understand the deep, otherworldly love of God, it changes the way you live. Love starts to lead instead of fear, and even in the moments you fall short, there's no hiding or striving, just a return. Pastor Kathryn Myers reminds us that repentance becomes something you rejoice in, not because you got it right, but because His love keeps drawing you back into communion with Him, restoring you, transforming you, and anchoring you in the truth that you are fully known and still fully loved.

God's greatest demonstration of love is Calvary. If you want to know what God is like, look at the cross. If you have an argument with something God has done, and you think the Lord has mistreated people or withheld mercy when He could have given mercy, then look at the cross. The Lord Jesus Christ suffered and bled and died for the vilest of us. This is the love of God. The height of divine glory and love is seen at Calvary.

Support our Show:bit.ly/BuyMeACoffeeUKGHave you ever been more preoccupied with the packaging of your heart before God, kaysa sa tunay na laman nito? My friend, true faith isn't measured by theatrics or optics.

For Holy Spirit unconditional Perfect Love forgiveness, NOTHING nor no one is beyond saving, EXCEPT for those who don't BELIEVE.Contact Us: Covenants.llc1@yahoo.com; CovenantsOnLine.com; @COVENANTS; or by calling 304.528.9220.

Matthew 5:43-48 - In his 6th and final case study, Jesus takes us to where it all has led: the call to love--as God our Father loves--even our enemies. This was an earth-shattering teaching 2000 years ago and is no less difficult to live out today. But gazing at Jesus who has first loved us even when we were His enemies, we are motivated to love others like this and so bear God's family resemblance. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 10 of our series “Jesus's Sermon on the Mount: The Good Life in the Kingdom of Grace”] Questions for reflection: 1) What was so unique about this teaching at the time Jesus gave it? What is still unique about it? 2) "And hate your neighbor" is not a quotation from the Old Testament--what was Jesus doing with this? 3) What does it mean to love with this (agape, in Greek) love? 4) How does God embody and originate this type of love? 5) How does Jesus want to lead us into "perfection" or "completion"? When will this happen? 6) Who are some "enemies" that you struggle to love? How might you grow in this?

Welcome to Citipointe Church Online. We love that you're joining us for our online experience.Perfect Love Drives Out Fear | Ps Liam BarlowMarch 01st - 10:15am ServiceTo connect with or contact us, visit https://citipointechurch.com/connnectTo GIVE online, visit https://citipointechurch.com/givingIf you have made a decision today to follow Jesus, please let us know by filling out the form found here: https://citipointechurch.com/i-have-decided/Citipointe Church exists to unmistakably influence our world for good and for God.

This week on BTG, Pastor Nate continues his series "sermon on the mount" with a challenging message that has us evaluating our love towards mankind and not just our friends. Matthew 5:43-48Support the show

What if 1 Corinthians 13 isn't about you trying to love better? Discussion Questions: How do you think most people traditionally interpret 1 Corinthians 13? React to this statement: 1 Corinthians 13 is a revelation of God's love for you. Read verses 1-3. Why is love better than other spiritual gifts? Explain. Read verses 4-7 with the word "God" in place of "love." What does this do for your view of Him? React to this statement: God's love is what lasts; everything else is on a timer. Read verse 12. What do we see dimly right now? What do you look forward to most when you will see with clarity? What is the one big thing you learned from this message?

What if perfect love already won? Discussion Questions: React to this statement: We love because He first loved us. Read Romans 5:9. How does being justified by God spell "love" for us? Read Romans 5:10. How does being reconciled by God spell "love" for us? Read Ephesians 3:16-19. What is the power for? Why do we need it? Read Ephesians 3:20. What do you think the "far beyond" is here in context? Why? React to this statement: You have an incorruptible love for Jesus Christ. What is the biggest takeaway for you from this message?

Some Christmas memories arrive wrapped in nostalgia. Others arrive wrapped in ache. Rachel Wojo shares a tender story of opening her parents’ old nativity set—one that carried decades of meaning. As she unwrapped each figurine, the gap between the serene scene in her hands and the messy reality of her life felt impossibly wide. Many of us feel that gap at Christmastime. The nativity scenes we display look peaceful:Mary is calm.Joseph confident.The shepherds composed.Baby Jesus is quiet and glowing. But the real manger wasn’t polished or picturesque: It smelled like livestock. It echoed with labor pains. It held a newborn King in a feeding trough. It was full of fear, sweat, uncertainty, and miracles wrapped in humble cloth. The beauty of the manger is not that it was perfect—it’s that God entered the imperfect. Luke tells us the shepherds’ announcement left people “amazed”—a word meaning wonderstruck, stunned, stopped in their tracks. Not because circumstances were ideal, but because God Himself had stepped into the world through the messy, the ordinary, and the unexpected. We often think God will meet us once our life feels more peaceful, more put-together, more “holiday ready.” But the manger whispers another truth: God does His most breathtaking work in the low places.God shows up in stables.Glory often comes wrapped in straw, fear, and the unplanned. If this season feels far from picture-perfect—if grief, transition, financial strain, illness, or loneliness shadow your December—remember this: The first Christmas was not perfect.But Emmanuel came anyway. And He still does. Bible Reading:“And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” – Luke 2:18 (NIV) Takeaway Truths The real nativity scene was messy, imperfect, and full of holy wonder. God is present when life is not peaceful or predictable. The manger reminds us that Christ enters the world right into our mess. We rediscover wonder when we stop trying to make life perfect and start looking for God in what’s real. Let’s Pray Heavenly Father, Thank You for being the God who enters stables and brings glory into the lowest places. Thank You that You do not wait for perfection before You draw near. Forgive me for believing You need my life to be tidy before You can work in it. Help me rediscover the wonder of the manger—the miracle of Perfect Love entering an imperfect world. For everyone whose holiday season feels broken, empty, or nothing like the pictures, remind them that You are the God who specializes in the unexpected places. When I’m tempted to hide my mess, remind me that You came through one.Thank You that no situation is too humble, too painful, or too chaotic for You to enter with transforming love. In the name of Jesus, who still comes to us in the low places,Amen. Scriptures for Further Reflection Luke 2:14 Isaiah 9:6 John 1:14 Philippians 2:5–8 Additional Encouragement Finding God in holiday grief — Crosswalk.com Devotions for when Christmas feels heavy — Christianity.com Listen to more daily audio prayers at LifeAudio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As we continue to follow the missions of Paul and Barnabas, Fr. Mike highlights the fickle nature of humanity and the futility of striving for the praise of men. He also encourages us to remain courageous in the tribulations we face, finding strength in other believers, and running toward the eternal and imperishable goal of salvation. Today's readings are Acts 14, 1 Corinthians 9-10, and Proverbs 28:7-9. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.