Sermon Central
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Charity's Preeminence
Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on May 29, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: To establish the preeminence, potentials, and the permanence of charity (love). Charity must hold first place and influence all that we do in word and deed unto God, the Lord, and all people. Without charity, we make nothing, are nothing, and profiteth in nothing.
3. Lastly, we investigated the "permanence of charity." Paul wrote: "Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they shall fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. We know in part and prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child...I put away childish things...And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. We now know the lasting relationship of the love of God unto His children. There now abides faith, hope, and charity." When faith has given way to sight and hopes to experience, then that which will remain and endure is "charity" throughout all eternity. And won't it be wonderful there – in heaven with our heavenly Father, our precious Lord, and loving Holy Spirit? If you desire this hope, let me explain how to receive it, to enjoy it now and throughout all eternity!
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,' Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman's Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary copyright, 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
8. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus copyright, 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
9. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
10. The Pastor's Manual, by J. R. Hobbs, B & H Publishing Group, One Lifeway Plaza, Nashville, TN, 37234, Published, 1940.
11. The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, by Edward T. Hiscox, D. D., Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1420–1422 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, Published, June 1903.
12. How to be Born Again, by Billy Graham, Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas, Copyright 1977, 1989.
I submit this verse unto you as I: "Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due)," Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
ronald.e.freeman@wwmchurchofchrist.org
Website: https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
