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SERMON DATE AND TITLE: 20180520 THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENTThis page streams the audio-only sermon, when available, in downloadable SWF flash format. It begins playing shortly after opening this page
Senior Pastor Phil Roland Pastor Ray Scott
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THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT SERMON STARTER Yesterday morning Prince Harry and American Actress Meghan Markle were married in the chapel of the Kensington Palace in Winsor, England. Bishop Michael Bruce Curry delivered a 13 minute searing, soaring message on the "Redemptive Power of Love." He based his message and challenge to the Royal couple again citing Martin Luther King, Jr., "We must discover the power of love, the power, the redemptive power of love. And when we discover that, we will be able to make of this old world a new world." What I found thrilling about the Bishop's passionate wedding address to the bride and groom was he was speaking to two countries and more at the same time. The U.S. desperately needs to discover the power of redemptive love. Great Britain needs that awesome power as well. I gave Bishop Curry's love challenge to a young man and his wife that were in my study. I told the young man, “Sir, you must love your wife unconditionally. You must hold nothing back in your love for her.” His reply was classic, “I’ve always had trouble with that ‘unconditional love’ bit! I prefer a more ‘black and white’ (legalistic) approach to Christianity.” I answered him, “Then you don’t believe in Christ’s love that was freely given at His Cross.” “What do you mean?” he said. I replied with a quote, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8 “I know, I know, but I cannot accept, nor love my wife until she does these things I require.” I patiently explained to the young Christian husband that his viewpoint was immature both emotionally and spiritually. Essentially, he had embraced religion, but not met the risen Christ. To know Him is to love Him and to experience His irresistible love. We cannot change this world, except through the love of our Savior Jesus Christ. This morning's message explores His Command to Love.
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May 20, 2018 - Sheepfold Ministries Pastor Phil Roland
THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT John 13:31-35 “We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love. And when we do that, we will be able to make of this old world a new world. Love is the only way,” Martin Luther King, Jr. <><<
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so
GR. = agape = A-GA-PAY = John 3:16 = God’s love for and in us
Several Thoughts About the Eleventh Commandment. . . I. WHAT ARE JESUS' COMMANDS? - Matt. 22:34-40 34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. A. One researcher insists there are 49 commands https://iblp.org/questions/what-are-commands-christ 1. Repent. . .Follow Me. . .Rejoice. . .Follow God's Law 2. Let you light shine. . .Be Reconciled. . .Do not lust 3. Keep your word. . .Go the Second Mile. . .Love your enemies 4. Be Perfect. . .Seek God's Kingdom. . .Judge not, etc. etc. etc. B. We must hear and Obey under the Power of His Redemptive Love 1. Redemptive Love changes ME first 2. I personally must be transformed by the power of His Love 3. He has redeemed me, then I can love others w/His Love C. Before you can Keep His Commands. . . 1. You must personally discover His Love for yourself a. Empty yourself (Bottom Out) b. God cannot fill a vessel full of ANYTHING ELSE c. Admit to yourself you can no longer manage your life d. Confess to God you NEED Him 2. GIVE UP all Prejudices, Prior Conclusions about self/others 3. WAIT for Him to Show Up - James 4:8 (thru 11) 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT, cont., p.2
When we desire to follow the Eleventh Commandment there is. . . II. EVIDENCE WE HAVE BEEN WITH JESUS A. Profound Love Hunger for His Word B. Passion for Loving Others 1. Rev. Curry's obvious passion 2. Showed on his face and in his voice tone C. Contrast, Rev. Curry's Passion to the Anglican priest behind him 1. Showed no emotion, Typical British "stiff upper lip" 2. 16% of Church of England priests aren't sure there's a God 3. 2% identify as Atheists D. Listen to the passion as he addresses the wedding couple and us When love is the way -- unselfish, sacrificial, redemptive, when love is the way. Then no child would go to bed hungry in this world ever again. When love is the way. We will let justice roll down like a mighty stream and righteousness like an ever flowing brook. When love is the way poverty will become history. When love is the way the earth will become a sanctuary. When love is the way we will lay down our swords and shields down by the riverside to study war no more. When love is the way there’s plenty good room, plenty good room for all of God’s children.
When we desire to follow the Eleventh Commandment there is. . . III. A STRONG DESIRE TO KEEP HIS COMMANDS - John 14:15 15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments.
A. The ELEVENTH Commandment is to (agape) Love 1. KEEP - John 14:15 - “If you love me keep my commands. . .” 2. OBEY - John 14:21 - “Whoever obeys my commands, he is the one who loves me.” 4. REMAIN - John 15:9 - ”As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:10 - “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. . .” 5. LOVE - John 15:12 - “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:17 - “This is my command: Love each other.” B. Experiencing Jesus Love will result in. . . 1. Loving people even when they don't love you back 2. Laying down your life for those society considers outcasts 3. Being inconvenienced to help someone in need 4. Denying your own pleasure to meet a need 5. Allowing others to set the agenda and course of your day 6. Loving people with Jesus' love C. The Eleventh Commandment is Irresistible - Romans 5:5 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT, cont., p.3
1. Loving the Lord God is easy - Intimacy with God 2. Loving your fellow man is easy with His Fire and Power
Bishop Curry's sermon reminded the couple and us about SACRIFICE It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once had captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, "What will you give me if I release you?" "The half of my wealth," was his reply. "And if I release your children?" "Everything I possess." "And if I release your wife?" "Your Majesty, I will give myself." Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all. As they returned home, the prince said to his wife, "Wasn't Cyrus a handsome man!" With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, "I didn't notice. I could only keep my eyes on you- -the one who was willing to give himself for me." Our Eyes are on Jesus. He has loved us and laid down His Life for Us. . . Catch the Fire. . . D. Once you caught the Fire, you want to "Pass It On" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tadZ8nCLBsI
THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT John 13:31-35 (NKJV)
Michaelangelo, the world-famous sculptor was faced with a paradox. He was examining a huge block of marble with the idea of using it for an 8-ton piece of statuary. Another sculptor had tried to use the same piece of marble and had cut too bag a slice out of the side. He discarded the piece considering it ruined. BUT THE TRAINED EYE OF MICHAELANGELO SAW POSSIBILITIES. He carved from the lop-sided piece of unlikely marble the famous statue of David. It stands 9 cubits tall. The sliced-off side of marble became the curve of the body of David. Michaelangelo captures David in that moment just after he has hurled the stone that felled Goliath. The Lord God has taken the marred, discarded piece of your life and created something He can use in His Kingdom of Love. There are no paradoxes with Him: only His Love and His Mercy. . .
BISHOP MICHAEL BRUCE CURRY, the 27th Presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, an offshoot of the Church of England in the United States. The wedding was held in the Kinsington Palace in Winsor. Prince Harry and American Actress, Meghan Markle Sermonette: The Power of Love The Power of Fire The Redemptive Power of Love
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