Love obeys

Pastor John Lin

1 John 2:3-11
We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.


Big Idea :
Jesus commands us to love one another


1. Live as Jesus lives
- there is nothing wrong to wanting to gain knowledge of God. But God is more interested in what we do than what we know

- don't live in falsehood, false theology and living in darkness


Matthew 7:21
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.


2. Live like Jesus commands
- neighbour refers to brothers and sisters in Christ

- a person who is lacking in love for others walks in darkness, aimlessly in circles without reaching destination, suffering in darkness, hurting people, causing others to stumble as well

- there is no neutral stand, it's either love or hate


Leviticus 19:18
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord


John 13:34-35
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another


Ways to love one another
- Forgive one another
(the holy spirit is the one who give us the strength to forgive)

- Forgive us as we forgive those who sinned against us

- Serve One Another
(build them up, encourage them)

- They will see Jesus in us


Galatians 5:13-14
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself

Faith through life's valleys

by Rev Dr Naomi Dowdy

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not be in want
(because the lord is my shepherd I will lack nothing, whatever pandemic or situation will not destroy me)


He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters
(I can sleep at night without anxiety and worry, rest in a safe place and be refreshed, be supplied in all my needs)


He restores my soul, He leads me in the path of righteousness for His names' sake
(Learn how to enjoy God's presence even in the midst of all, be strengthened, experience peace, confidence and freedom)


yea though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death i shall fear no evil, for thou art with me, Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me
(not just physical death but challenges in life fear, sickness, .....no where in scriptures says that we will not have dark valleys, instead it is that we will have dark valleys and tribulations, however when we go through the valley, no weapons formed against us will prosper. God's rod is a "discipline rod" so we learn to grow and mature in our valleys. As we submit in His discipline, His full support, His "staff" is available for us. Going "through" that means is temporary place, we will not camp in the dark valley because we will go through the valley in total victory)


Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies, Thou anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over
(devil tries to beat me down, makes me give up.... however, God prepares a banqueting table just for me in the face of the devil by showing the devil he is defeated. God pours out a fresh anointing which causes my cup to overflow. Our covenent relationship with God, this cup overflows with forgiveness, love, blessing, affirms our personal covenant with God)
Isaiah 54:7
For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back

Romans 8:32
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?


Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever
(Receive His promises and blessings, no more pity party)
Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.


Focus on the winning the TOTAL WAR !!! Prayer : "God, I surrender my life to you. Right now, take over my life. Do a fresh work in my heart. Give me a fresh anointing. Fresh revelation, Lord because you know exactly how and you know exactly when I need things. Lord I receive you now, in my heart lord. Hallelujah, Lord I receive"