March 27, 2023
Loved | John 15:9-17
SO YOU CAN LOVE OTHERS
Jesus intends to win the world with love. It makes so little sense on a planet that has always celebrated the strongest and the smartest and the most self-interested. Kindness never won an Olympic medal or a military battle. Our God has chosen his ‘weapon of choice’ and its love. How counterintuitive! Send people out like sheep among wolves, bless your enemies, forgive the undeserving, and love people like crazy. Sounds like a plan that could get a person killed.
Listen to an audio version of the message
Songs for this week: Spotify
John 15:9-17
- What is/was your relationship like with your father and your mother? How has that shaped you?
- What do you make of Jesus always talking about how the Father loves him? Is that odd for a 30-year-old adult or is it essential? Explain.
- What do you know and experience of the joy Jesus speaks of in v. 11?
- Explain how ‘laying down one’s life’ is the greatest demonstration of love. Could you love like that?
- Do you experience yourself as Jesus’ friend? If so, help others understand what that is like.
You can find a copy of The Father’s Blessing here.
Share with a friend
Recent Sermons
Colossians 2:8-12 - Paul warns the Colossian church not to trade the freedom found in Christ for religion or spiritual experiences. Jesus is more than enough.
Colossians 2:1-7-The way forward for the first Christians wasn't always easy. False teachers brought confusion and deception, prompting Paul to point believers back to the truth. Just as the best way to spot a counterfeit is to know the genuine article, the best way to recognize false teaching is to know Jesus.
Colossians 1:24-29-Suffering is one of life's hardest realities. We might expect that following Jesus would mean less pain, but Jesus himself suffered and made it clear that his followers would too. The good news is that our suffering is never lost on God and is never in vain.
Colossians 1:21-23 - Paul contrasts two powerful words—alienated and reconciled—to tell our story. Discover how Jesus did the work of reconciliation and why that is the heart of the Gospel.
Colossians 1:15-20 -Colossians centers on Jesus—the Creator of all things, the Sustainer of life, and the Redeemer who restores creation through love.
Colossians 1:9-14 - Paul prays not for comfort, but for deeper faith—knowing God’s will, living for Jesus, and receiving strength to persevere with hope.
