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'Let Brotherly Love Continue'
CGG Weekly by John ReissLet brotherly love continue, as it should be a significant part of a Christian's life. The term brotherly love, translated from the Greek word philadelphia, combines the meanings of love and brother, reminding us to show godly affection to our brothers and sisters. Have patience with one another, bearing with each other in the love of God, as our heavenly Father shows extreme patience with us. Be hospitable, contributing to the needs of the saints and seeking to show friendliness, generosity, and kindness, especially to those of the household of faith. Be an inspiration by faithfully setting a good example, stirring up one another to love and good works, showing faith, and relying on the power of God to overcome trials. Love as brethren, treating each other as members of the same spiritual Family with exceptional care, sharing in both suffering and joy. Be a source of encouragement, building one another up and imparting courage to those who face doubt or discouragement. Outdo others in doing good, being helpful and kind, setting the best examples in expressing God's love in word and deed. Let us love and serve each other with our whole hearts, becoming a church of brotherly love.
No Greater Love
'Ready Answer' by StaffChrist says that we can show no greater love than in sacrificing our lives. We must come to the point where we are doing this daily, yet how do we do this?
Is the Love of Many Growing Cold?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeJesus foretells that "the love of many will grow cold" at the end time. Is this happening right now, or is there love that is just difficult to recognize?
Biblical Loves
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEnglish speakers often overuse general and precise words, especially with profound concepts like the word "love." Even though English contains the world's largest vocabulary, speakers carelessly tend to flatten nuances. However, Scripture draws from Koine Greek, offering four distinct words for "love," each relaying different dimensions of human connection, restoring clarity and depth to what has often been reduced for human emotion. 1.) Eros signifies romantic and sexual love—within marriage honorable, but outside porneia. 2.) Storge signifying natural family affection among family members—parents, children, and siblings, referring to a loyal, comfortable affection within close-knot relationships extending to those treated as family. 3.) Phileo, brotherly love and affection, signifies personal attachment, and chosen companionship outside the family, forming the root of Philadelphia-"brotherly love" exhorting believers to love their spiritual brethren (Hebrews 13:1), describing the bonds formed through shared values and covenant. 4.) Agape, signifying divine selfless love, transcending phileo by being intentional, sacrificial, and rooted solidly in God's nature. Unlike emotional affection, agape flows from will and principle, demonstrating love as action, a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) as well as the greatest virtue (I Corinthians 13:13) embodying humility, selflessness, and Christlike service. Jesus summarized the great law, love God with all our might, and our neighbor as ourselves, which requires God-like love agape.
Love Thy Neighbor (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)He who loves God must love his brother, including every fellow human being. Our closeness with God transcends the other human relationships.
Thou Shall Love Thy Neighbor
Sermon by John O. ReidWe are obligated to show compassion and mercy to all, refraining from gossip, exercising righteous judgment, forgiving others and applying the Golden Rule.
From Faith to Love
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaPeter provides not only an effective antidote to corrosive heresies, apostasy, and false teachers, but also a practical formula for spiritual growth.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Five): The Peace Offering, Sacrifice, and Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe peace offering teaches many things, but one of its main symbols is fellowship. Our communion with the Father and the Son obligates us to pursue peace.
Hospitality
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHospitality provides the motivation for good works, establishing a hierarchy of giving, directed toward God, then family, church brethren, and strangers.
By This Shall All Men Know You
Sermon by John O. ReidA native practice involves leaving a young man on a remote island with only a bow and arrows until he learns to become a man, and God does something similar.
Take Heed and Remember the Less Fortunate
Sermon by Kim MyersWhen a nation loses its morals, people feel free to take advantage of one another, especially the poor. God hates seeing the poor oppressed.
The Identifying Sign of a True Disciple of Jesus
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe Navy SEALs' fear is not of death, but of failing their team, parallel to the bond Jesus Christ desires among His disciples.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's holy law gives love its foundation, stability, and evenness, preventing it from degenerating into a sappy, sentimental feeling.
Each Other (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAn individual can teach and admonish only if he is in fellowship with others. God's intention that we be connected to the rest of the Body is seen everywhere.
God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe unity Jesus appeals for with His disciples is not organizational unity, but unity within the divine nature, exampled in the unity between He and the Father.
Hebrews 12 and 13: Advice for the End Time
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must lay aside every weight, accept God's chastening, receive encouragement from those who have gone before, and get back into the spiritual race.
Prayer and Persistence
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPersistence in prayer does not mean an incessant pestering God into action. God always looks at our petitions from the vantage-point of His purpose.
The Priesthood of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The priestly garments represent the holy character of God. Clothing is used as a badge of one's office and symbolizes what our character is like inwardly.
The World (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur intimate fellowship should not be with the world, but be concentrated upon God and those who have made the Covenant, loving them as we would ourselves.