Promises for a New Year

Love. Pastor Michael Dascoli

February 14, 2021

“For God 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

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should

be called children of God! And that is what we are.” 1John 3:1a

In love 5 He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that He lavished on us.

Ephesians 1:4c

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all

your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:37-38

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an

atoning sacrifice for our sins… 19We love because He first loved us.” 1John 4:10, 19

Worship is heart: loving God back

Worship is also hands: expressed in actions

. I know that there are those of us that have a hard time saying those three little words, “I love you.” Sometimes we feel it, but we just can’t get it out. Why can it be so hard to say, “I love you”?

1: I can love God by embracing His love for me

“We love because He first loved us.” 1John 4:19

2: I can tell God I love Him by Giving myself to Him

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

3: I can tell God I love Him by loving people

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:37-38

“…the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1John 4:20-21

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

1John 4:7-8

4: We can tell God we love Him by SINGING TO HIM

“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:2

1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day. 3 Declare His glory among the nations,

His marvelous deeds among all peoples. 4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise… Psalm 96:1-4a

5: We can tell Him by TALKING TO HIM

“I love the LORD, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. 2 Because

He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2

6: We can tell God we love Him by LISTENING TO HIM

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

Let’s Pray:

-What is God’s Spirit saying to you today?

-How must you respond?