Years ago there was a show
3 or 4 people sitting
Panel of contestants
Asked different questions to try and determine who was the real person that was performing a specific job or accomplishment.
Maybe a artist, inventor, doctor that discovered a new breakthrough in medicine
AS each contestant was asked specific questions to help determine who in fact was the correct person for who they were looking for
Other contestants would answer trying to fool the panel asking the questions
Each contestant would then try to determine who was the real person
At the end of all the questions from the panel the statement would be made
Would the real … please stand up.
In Christianity today would the real Jesus please stand up?
I think for many there is a great confusion of what Christianity truly is in our society.
There is a picture of this life with the absence of problems.
Where everything is perfect
The Gospel has been changed to a magical way to get everything you want, or could possibly desire.
This is a false gospel
Leading people into a confusion, discouragement.
Fact of the matter being a Christian is a life not with the absence of problems testing and trials.
James 1:2-3, 12 ESV
Hebrew 10:23 KJV
But a promise of victory if we hold fast.
What is it that would cause the disciples to go through such suffering and continue in the faith??
LOVE
Love for God a Love for people
Matthew 22:35-40
What is Love??
Valentines
3 types of Love
1) EROS Love
In the beginning of a relationship
Need based Love.
Physical attraction love
Like starting a fire with lighter fluid.
Bam its on fire
But this is not a lasting love
While this is necessary and must be maintained
Eros love will not sustain a relationship over a long time
2) Phileo Love
a. Devoted companionship
b. Going through life together
i. Paying bills
c. Daily struggles
d. Giving of yourself to the needs of another
e. Sacrifice
3) Agape Love
a. Giving even when you get nothing in return
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
This type of love is what will help maintain the other two types of love.
Through the testing the problems of Life
This type of Love gets lost
Begin to just go through the motions
Lose Love for the Lord each other and life
Renew our Love
Lost
Backslidden
Saved
