Counting On God, Part 9 – 11/15/11 | Divine Design Discipleship

We ended our Fall 2011 semester learning about what true love looks like. We remained in John 15 with our focus on verses 7-11 which remind us that we were made to bear much fruit as we abide in the love of Christ. We are conduits of God’s love and glory…WOW! This is what love looks like – That God first loved us and sent His Son to die in our place for our sin. This love covers the regret of our past, the sin of our present and the worry of our future. 1 Cor. 13:8 tells us that love never fails, or as Kathy phrased it, “Love trumps!” Whatever the issue, love trumps it. Love is the most powerful force on Earth and always wins. As we abide in His love remember (1) Promise Activates it – The love of God has been poured out in our hearts (Rom. 5:5). We are “pregnant” with the love of God and He will reproduce it in our lives. (2) Prayer Animates it – Prayer connects us with God and others. (3) Obedience Substantiates it – We are reminded that if we love God we will obey His commands. “Obedience is the link between me and the life of Jesus” – Andrew Murray.

Abiding in God’s love will result in a life of true joy that comes only from the Father. As we walk in love and obedience we will see His love poured out in and through us. And the great news is that there is nothing, no nothing, that can separate us from this great love! (Rom. 8:38-39)