1 Corinthians 13: The Way of Love

"Our culture says that feelings of love are the basis for actions of love. And of course that can be true. But it is truer to say that actions of love can lead consistently to feelings of love."  - Timothy Keller, American Presbyterian pastor, preacher, theologian, and Christian apologist (1950-2023)

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (NIV)

“Love” is everywhere in pop culture, but the Bible offers a higher definition. 1 Corinthians 13 describes a selfless, God-given love that is far deeper than the world's version. We will examine how this “love chapter” calls us to better relationships. 

Initial Reflection: If you had to define "love" without using the word itself, what three adjectives or actions would you choose?

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 13 to urge a divided, immature church in Corinth toward unity. Placed between teachings on spiritual gifts, it highlights that talent is hollow without agape—the selfless, active love modeled by Jesus.

To better grasp this chapter's message, we can divide it into three sections: the necessity of love (vv. 1–3), its character (vv. 4–7), and its permanence (vv. 8–13).

I. The Necessity of Love (Verses 1-3):

Paul argues that love is the ultimate, superior, and eternal virtue that makes all other spiritual gifts functional. Without this underlying compassion, powerful gifts and profound acts of charity are rendered empty, pointless, and unprofitable. 

II. Its Character (Verses 4-7):

Love is not just a feeling, but a deliberate choice and a series of actions. This ”agape” love is:

• Patient, kind, and selfless, always working for the best interests of other people.
• Modest, selfless, and never insists on having its own way.
• Slow to anger and quick to forgive.
• Inseparable from truth, refusing to gloat in wrongdoings and instead finding joy in righteousness.
• Resilient—always protecting, trusting, hoping, and persisting.

III. The Permanence of Love (Verses 6-13):

Prophecy and knowledge are partial and temporary; only love is enduring, as outlined below:

• While prophecy and knowledge are currently incomplete, they will cease to be necessary when Christ returns and the kingdom is fully established.
• Just as a child grows into an adult, our limited, earthly understanding of God will one day be replaced by full, intimate knowledge upon seeing Him in person.
• Faith, hope, and love are all important, but love is the best virtue because it represents God's nature. 

Ultimately, spiritual gifts and knowledge mean nothing without love. True maturity in Christ isn't about power or understanding, but about living out love in everything we do. 

Questions for Consideration:

• According to 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, spiritual actions lacking love are merely noise and have no real value. In what areas of our lives do we prioritize spiritual performance over genuine, loving relationships?
• Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, true love is marked by traits like patience, humility, and kindness, rather than envy or selfishness. Which of these characteristics is the most challenging for you to show to others, and why?
• While 1 Corinthians 13:13 highlights that faith, hope, and love endure, Paul declares love to be the ultimate virtue. What makes love supreme over faith and hope in Paul's theology? 

A Final Word: “Dear Lord, please guide us to make love our highest priority. Change our hearts from within, that our daily actions may show Your kindness and patience to everyone around us. Amen.”

The Lord Jesus bless you,

Danielle

Where Love Begins: God as the Eternal Source

"If we want to deal with God the right way, we have to learn to love the right way. If we want to love the right way, we have to deal with God the right way. God and love can't be separated."  - Eugene H. Peterson, American Presbyterian minister, scholar, theologian, and author (1932-2018)

Scripture Spotlight: 1 John 4:7-12 (ESV)

Setting the Stage: How does viewing love as a divine gift from God, rather than merely a human emotion, redefine its nature, source, and purpose?

In a world filled with many definitions of love, John calls us back to the source. The phrase “love is from God” tells us that love has its origin in God’s nature; it proceeds from Him and has its beginning in Him (1 John 4:7 ESV).

Upon close analysis of 1 John 4:7 ESV, it becomes clear that love is not a human emotion, but an essential component of God’s character. According to John, God is not just doing loving things; He is love (1 John 4:8, 16). Love is the core of His character. 

Think of it this way: just as fire inevitably produces heat, God always emits love because that is His very nature. It (love) existed before creation within the Trinity. God is a loving community of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, whose life is centered on eternally giving themselves to one another (1 John 4:13-14 ESV)

And because God loved us first (1 John 4:19 ESV), we are able to truly love. The Holy Spirit pours this divine, selfless love into our hearts, empowering us to love others with a capacity that goes beyond our own nature. 

Stop and Think: 

• What does it mean that “love is from God” rather than just a human emotion?
• John states, “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). Why is it significant that love is defined by His nature, rather than just something He does?

Presently, many contemporary understandings of love center on personal gain or transient feelings. John's biblical definition, known as Agape (ἀγάπη)—a sacrificial, action-oriented love for others regardless of feelings, offers a stark contrast:

• Sacrificial vs. Self-Centered: Whereas worldly love often seeks personal gain, God’s love is defined by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross—unconditionally giving one's life for others, regardless of merit.
• Eternal vs. Temporary: While worldly affection is fleeting and driven by superficial desires—the "lust of the eyes" (1 John 2:16 NIV)—divine love remains constant and everlasting, originating from an eternal God.
• Holy vs. Permissive: Divine love cannot be separated from God’s character of justice and purity. It moves beyond being merely "nice" or permissive; instead, it focuses on what is truly necessary for a person's spiritual health. 

Finally, in 1 John 4:7-12 ESV, love is presented as the essential evidence of a transformed life. If we love, it proves we are born of God; if we do not love, it shows we do not know Him, as love is the core of His character. 

Closing Prayer: "Lord, we praise You for being love itself and for sending Your Son to save us. Help us abide in Your love and reflect Your heart to the world. Amen."

In God's name,

Amy

Weekend Message | FAITH Over Fear: God’s Guidance in Hard Times | Better Together on TBN

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It's always our pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

In a world often overshadowed by uncertainty, how can we shift our perspective from anxiety to assurance? 

This week on "FAITH Over Fear: God’s Guidance in Hard Times | Better Together on TBN, join host Sheila Walsh and guests Nona Jones, Chrystal Evans Hurst, Holly Wagner, and Blynda Lane as they discuss navigating fear by relying on God's guidance during hard times.

© Better Together on TBN

Key Takeaways & Themes:

• Choosing Faith Over Fear: Faith is presented not as a feeling, but a decision to trust in God's promises even when facing uncertainty or unfavorable circumstances.
• God's Guidance in Change: Even in difficult, unwanted seasons of change, God is present and working, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and relying on His strength, not our own.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit acts as a comforter, living inside believers to provide strength and guidance through tough times.
• Overcoming Vulnerability: The episode highlights the need to find security in God, particularly when feeling vulnerable or in seasons of transition.
• Practical Encouragement: Guests share personal experiences and biblical truths to help us move from fear to confident faith. 

Walk into the unknown confidently—God is with you. Fix your eyes on Jesus to turn life’s overwhelming changes into opportunities for faith.

Take a moment for yourself this weekend—join us for some encouragement!

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Impossible? Not for God

"Christianity takes for granted the absence of any self-help and offers a power which is nothing less than the power of God."  - Aiden Wilson Tozer, American Christian pastor and author (1897-1963)

Opening Thought: If God can create the heavens and the earth, why do we doubt He can handle our "impossible" situations?

We all hit walls that feel impossible to climb—a grim diagnosis, a failed relationship, or an overwhelming personal struggle. In these dark moments, our instinct tells us there is no way forward and that the end has arrived.

Scripture frequently highlights a different reality, best illustrated when Sarah laughed upon hearing she would conceive at age 90 (Genesis 18). God’s response directly addresses this doubt: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14).

The answer is a definitive NO. This isn't a request; it's a demonstration of power. Let's take a closer look at this.

> Rooted in Power: The Old Testament Foundation - The Old Testament establishes the bedrock testimony that God is omnipotent, as was made manifest in:

A. The Abraham and Sarah Narrative (Genesis 18:14)

In Genesis 18:11-14, divine promise meets human skepticism when elderly Sarah laughs at the prospect of bearing a child. This disbelief prompts God to challenge their doubt with a pivotal question highlighting His sovereignty: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" The narrative underscores that God's power overcomes natural limitations. 

Key Takeaway: Is anything too hard for the Lord?" directly counters human skepticism. It reminds us that divine promises are not restricted by biological limitations, as all things are possible for God.

If you doubt God can fulfill His promises due to age or delays, remember Sarah. Her laughter of disbelief was met with a direct, corrective question from God: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?". 

B. Jeremiah's Prayer of Faith (Jeremiah 32:17)

Despite being imprisoned during a national crisis, Jeremiah demonstrated faith by buying a field (Jeremiah 32:6-15), acting on God's promise of future restoration. His prayer (Jeremiah 32:17) highlights God's power as Creator, showing trust in Him even when destruction seemed inevitable. 

Key Takeaway: This verse is frequently used to discuss creation, highlighting that the same immense power used to build the universe is active in our lives today. Since God can produce something from nothing, there is no challenge we face that is too big for Him. 

C. Acknowledging Divine Sovereignty (Job 42:2)

After experiencing intense suffering and deep theological struggle, Job eventually humbles himself, recognizing God’s absolute sovereignty (Job 42:2). 

Key Takeaway: Neither human suffering, demonic opposition, nor adverse circumstances can thwart God’s will. His divine plan is destined to prevail.

> The New Testament Proof: The Definitive Sign - The New Testament fulfills Old Testament promises regarding God’s boundless strength.

A. The Prophecy Fulfilled (Luke 1:37)

The angel Gabriel told the virgin Mary she would have a child through the Holy Spirit. When Mary asked how this was possible as a virgin (Luke 1:34), Gabriel's answer echoed an Old Testament theme. (Luke 1:37)

Key Takeaway: The virgin birth and incarnation show that God can bypass natural laws to perform the impossible, making them the ultimate proof of His power. 

> Applying God’s Power: A Call to Live Differently 

These verses encourage choosing faith over fear by relying on God’s power instead of human limitations, challenging readers to trust that nothing is impossible for Him. 

Application & Challenging Questions

1. Is continued unbelief the only thing truly “too hard” for God? If so, how can you cultivate a stronger, more resilient faith?
2. How does viewing God as the Creator of all things transform your outlook on personal struggles?
3. How can we learn from Sarah's and Mary's experiences to turn our skepticism into confident belief?

Key Takeaway: We serve an all-powerful God who is unbound by our limitations. By relying on His supreme authority and power, we can approach any situation with hope, confident that absolutely nothing is too difficult for the Lord.

Closing Prayer: “Father, thank You that no problem is too big for You. Help me walk by faith, trusting Your power on my behalf. Amen.”

With love and prayers,

Deshane

Grace, Faith, and the Word of God

 "Faith is a living, daring, confidence in God's grace."  - Martin Luther, German priest, theologian, and influential figure of the Protestant Reformation (1483-1546)

Core Teaching: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

We are "saved by grace through faith," but what does it mean to live this out? Today, we’ll see that genuine faith isn't wishful thinking—it is an active pursuit rooted in the knowledge of God and His Word.

Here are key terms and definitions to help you understand what follows.

• Grace: God’s unconditional kindness toward us, given freely despite our unworthiness. It is when God gives us salvation, mercy, and love, rather than the penalty of sin. 
• Faith: The personal, deep-seated confidence in Christ as the only Savior. It is the vital connection—the conduit—by which we accept the free gift of grace. 
• Works (Human Effort): Relying on personal morality or deeds to earn God's favor. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift of grace, not a reward for our performance. 

We begin by examining grace-based salvation, which originates entirely from God, not human merit. It is the act of God making us alive while we are dead in our sins. - Romans 11:6 (ESV); Titus 3:5 (NIV)

Key Takeaway: We cannot boast about our salvation because it was given to us, not earned.

Next, faith is the mechanism by which we receive grace, trusting in Jesus’ finished work on the cross rather than our own efforts. - Acts 16:31 (KJV); Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)

Key Takeaway: Faith is not an emotional feeling to be manufactured; it is a firm trust in what Christ has already accomplished.

Moving forward, true faith is rooted in the Word of God. Saving faith doesn't just appear out of nowhere; it is developed through understanding God's truth in Scripture. - John 17:3 (ESV); Romans 10:17 (KJV); 2 Timothy 3:15 (ESV)

Key Takeaway: Weak faith usually stems from neglecting Scripture, not a shortage of faith from God.

In conclusion, good works are not merit-based salvation, but rather the essential fruit of a living faith that acts in love. - Ephesians 2:10 (NIV); James 2:17 (ESV)

Key Takeaway: Works are the evidence of genuine faith, not the source of our salvation.  

Let’s explore the main ideas we discussed and how to turn them into real-world results.

1. Stop Striving, Start Receiving: Grace is a Gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).
2. Let the Word Transform You: Faith thrives when you habitually fill your mind and heart with the Message of Christ (Romans 10:17). 
3. Believe in Jesus: Your assurance comes from His completed work, not your own merits (Romans 5:1).
4. Faith in Action: Show your salvation through a life of love and devotion (Ephesians 2:10).

Ultimately, salvation is a free gift of God's grace, received through faith. Our role is to embrace this gift, allowing our faith to strengthen through the study of Scripture and deeper knowledge of God.

Closing Prayer: “Thank You, Lord, for the gift of grace. Help us to walk by faith, nourished by the knowledge of Your truth, Amen.”

Yours in Christ,

Emily

The Blueprint for a Transformed Life

"When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost."  - Billy Graham, American evangelist (1918-2018)

Our Focus Text: Psalm 15:1-5 NIV, from now on.

To enter a restricted building, you need a badge. To enter God’s presence, David asks what “qualifications” are needed. In other words, “Who is worthy to dwell in His presence, and what is required from us?”

Genuine worship goes beyond ritual; it is a lifestyle of character, love, and integrity rooted in a deep connection with God. Psalm 15 outlines the moral qualifications for dwelling with God, emphasizing ethical living over mere rituals.

I. Who May Dwell in God’s Presence? (Verse 1)

"A psalm of David. LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?"

In this passage, David questions who is worthy to enter into close fellowship with a Holy God, using the "tent" as a metaphor for the sanctuary of His presence. 

Compare this to the preceding Psalm (Psalm 14) which outlines the total depravity of mankind. The question asked here is not about “earning” heaven, but about the character of someone truly transformed by God.

Pause and Reflect: If God is everywhere, why does David imply that only certain people can dwell in His “sacred tent” or “holy mountain”?

II. The Marks of a Godly Person (Verses 2-5)

Instead of a checklist for salvation, David describes eleven behaviors that flow from a heart in harmony with God's will—the true, living fruits of a redeemed life. We shall examine them below.

1. A Life of Integrity: Walking Blamelessly (Psalm 15:2)

• "One whose walk is blameless": Steady, proper behavior everywhere.
• "Does what is righteous": Living out God's principles, not just acknowledging them.
• “Speaks the truth from their heart”: Absolute self-honesty: eliminating self-deception and inner conflict. 

Pause and Reflect: David mentions walking blamelessly and speaking truth "from the heart." In the context of Psalm 15:2, why is internal honesty just as vital for spiritual integrity as one's outward behavior? 

      

    2. Taming the Tongue: (Psa. 15:3)

• “Whose tongue utters no slander”: Avoids harmful gossip and defamation.
• “Does no wrong to a neighbor”: Let kindness, not harm, guide your actions.
• “Casts no slur on others”: Slow to believe or spread gossip about others.

Pause and Reflect: Based on the warning against slander in Psalm 15:3, how should Christians approach online posting, commenting, and sharing information about friends or neighbors?

    3. Biblical Values: Discerning Good from Evil (Psa. 15:4)

• “Despises a vile person”: Condemning evil conduct instead of applauding popular ungodliness. 
• “Honors those who fear the LORD”: Holding in high esteem those who live in obedience to God.
• “Keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind”: They prioritize faithfulness to their commitments over their own convenience.

Pause and Reflect: Psalm 15:4 speaks of one who “keeps an oath even when it hurts.” When have you had to live out this verse, and how did it impact your intimacy with God?

    4. The Righteous Steward: Money & Moral Integrity (Psa. 15:5)

• “Lends money to the poor without interest”: Refrains from predatory lending and does not take advantage of the needy.
• “Does not accept a bribe against the innocent”: Practicing biblical integrity in business by avoiding exploitation and bribery.

Pause and Reflect: Psalm 15:5 emphasizes lending money to the needy without interest and refusing bribes that harm the innocent. How can we apply these principles of integrity and compassion to modern financial ethics and helping those in need?

Psalm 15:5 concludes by emphasizing that a life of integrity leads to enduring stability and security. Rather than promising an absence of hardship, this passage suggests that such individuals remain unshaken because they are firmly anchored in God. 

“Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”

Clearly we cannot live up to the requirements of this Psalm, but our inability to do so leads us to Jesus. He is the only one who truly fulfilled these responsibilities, acting as our representative. By remaining connected to Jesus, He transforms our inner lives, empowering us to produce spiritual fruit.

Closing Prayer: "Lord, help me live like the one You call to dwell with You: blameless, righteous, and truthful. In Jesus' name, Amen”

Grace be unto you,

Lamai

Weekend Message | Stop Avoiding Your Feelings and Let God Heal Your Heart | Better Together on TBN

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It's always our pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

"Are you carrying a heavy heart?" This weekend's, episode of "Better Together." from TBN, "Stop Avoiding Your Feelings and Let God Heal Your Heart," tells us to remember that vulnerability is a strength created by God. Since our hearts often lead our minds, the path to wholeness involves letting God transform our inner world. 

By allowing Him to heal your hidden hurts, you open the door to a healthier, more vibrant life.

© Better Together on TBN

A healed heart is the foundation of total well-being, say Laurie Crouch, Dr. Anita Phillips, Dr. DeeDee Freeman, Sheila Walsh, and Blynda Lane. They advise confronting our emotions rather than turning away from them, modeled on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. 

Key Highlights: Don't Avoid Feelings, Surrender to God:

• Acknowledge & Process: Instead of numbing or running, you must face your pain, confess it to God, and bring your wounds (past or present) to Him.
• God Draws Near in Brokenness: Heartbreak isn't a sign of failure; it's often a catalyst that strips distractions and makes you realize your deep need for God, where His presence becomes strength.
• The Holy Spirit is Your Comforter: Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live inside believers to comfort, guide, and empower them, not just to live through them.

Healing often happens in layers, over time, through God's persistent kindness. He provides victory through His Word, enabling a life of purpose and peace despite earthly challenges. And, you are created for victory, not fear; let God's fearless Spirit counter your fear. 

Get comfy, unwind, and soak in some inspiration. It’ll be worth your while!

May God richly bless you,

~Eve