How A Christian Responds To A Attack

Every Christian Should Demonstrate the Love of Christ

INTRODUCTION:

Over the past five days, we have watched the skyline of New York City change drastically, And, just as drastically, we have watched our nation, our world, our families, and our neighborhoods change.

Our concept of security, our definitions of friend and foe, our sense of faith, and of hope, and even of love, are forever more changed because four planes were hijacked, and because the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the White House, and even as the story developed through the weekend, our very own backyards in the Atlanta Metro area were targeted for destruction.

Those of us who have faith in Christ, while still hurting, can remain steady in our scriptural promise that “all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28).” But, those who have no faith in Christ are searching. They need to find a sense of steadiness, of constancy, and of hope. A sense that only those who are committed in their faith in Christ can demonstrate to those in need of that presence in their lives.

So, today, five days after September 11, 2001 (9-1-1), we must call out to God in our emergency, and search His word and seek His instruction for a measured, appropriate and responsible response.

Originally, as you will note in the worship guide, I had been working on a sermon focused on how we are to be a family of faith, full of hope, and with a love that surpasses all understanding. The apostle Paul encouraged and praised the faith, hope and love that was evident in the churches in his letters to them. And, he admonished and chastised the churches that were negligent in adopting those characteristics. Maybe, someday in the future, we will be able to address those comments and apply them directly to our lives as Christians, and as members of Davis Chapel Baptist Church.

Today, however, in light of all that has happened, I feel led by God to focus on the need for each and everyone of us to understand that Every Christian Should Demonstrate the Love of Christ

Because Christ Commands It

Because Christ Demonstrates It

Because Christ Rewards It

I. Every Christian Should Demonstrate the Love of Christ Because Christ Commands It.

a. Christ commanded that we are to love all as we love ourselves

(Matthew 19:19)

b. Christ commanded that we are to love all as God loves us

(John 13:34)

c. Christ commanded that we love all with care and concern

(John 21:15-17)

II. Every Christian Should Demonstrate the Love of Christ Because Christ Demonstrates It.

a. Christ demonstrates a sacrificial love

(Ephesians 5:2, 25)

b. Christ demonstrates a focused and protective love

(Matthew 18:11-14)

c. Christ demonstrates an inclusive and forgiving love (John 3:16-17; Luke 23:34)

III. Every Christian Should Demonstrate the Love of Christ Because Christ Rewards It.

a. Christ rewards this kind of love with a crown of life

(James 1:12)

b. Christ rewards this kind of love with a crown of righteousness

(2 Timothy 4:8)

c. Christ rewards this kind of love with an abiding presence

(John 14:23)