Daniel Moore: 0:01
True love extends beyond oneself and focuses on others. It involves selflessness, compassion and a willingness to put the needs and well-being of others before our own. Love in its purest form seeks the good of the other person, even if it means sacrificing our own desires and comfort. This week, on Connecting the Gap, we continue our series on who Is Jesus. This week, jesus Is Love. We'll get back into that right after this. Are you ready to join the army of warriors who conquer all challenges life throws their way? Look no further than we Are Warriors Apparel at WeAreWarriorsApparelcom. Their merchandise is designed to empower and inspire individuals to overcome any obstacle standing in their path. From stylish, comfortable clothing to eye-catching accessories, their merchandise is crafted with utmost care and attention to detail. But what truly sets them apart is their powerful slogan Overcome. They represent the indomitable spirit within every warrior, urging you to push boundaries, shatter limitations and transform your dreams into reality. It encapsulates overcoming self-doubt, adversity and fears to emerge stronger and more resilient. With every purchase of we Are Warriors Apparel, you not only receive exceptional merchandise, but also a reminder to embrace your untapped courage and strength, from their overcome t-shirts that serve as a daily source of motivation to their overcome hoodies and joggers that symbolize your triumphs. Their offerings are designed to keep your spirit high and unstoppable. Unlock the potential within you and express it proudly through their high quality apparel. Step out into the world with an aura of fearlessness, knowing that you are part of the warrior clan that never surrenders. Don't settle for mediocrity. Embrace your inner warrior and let we Are Warriors Apparel. Be your partner in conquering life's battles. Visit WeAreWarriorsApparelcom today and equip yourself with the emblem of resilience, determination and the will to overcome. Together, we Are Unstoppable. Welcome to Connecting the Gap.
Daniel Moore: 2:32
I'm Daniel Moore, the host for this podcast. Thank you, guys for joining me. This week Got another great episode coming your way, as we're continuing our series on who Is Jesus. Of course, next week we have a special Christmas episode coming your way, as Christmas is right around the corner. It's hard to believe that it's already that time of the year knocking on New Year's. We're going to be in a brand new year here pretty soon, and, of course, before that, though, we've got Christmas coming, and I'm looking forward to next week's going to be a great episode, so be sure to check that out. Also, don't forget that you can also subscribe to this podcast anywhere. You get your podcast, and we're also on YouTube Rumble, the podcasting app, edify, and if you have Alexa or Google Smart devices, you can stream us on those as well. So there's many ways that you can check out Connecting the Gap each week, as we bring those to you here from our Connecting the Gap studios.
Daniel Moore: 3:23
Also, if you have enjoyed Connecting the Gap and you've listened to several episodes, you may be subscribed to us. Please leave us a review. We'd love to know what you think about our show. Give us a five star rating, especially on Apple Podcast. That helps this ministry to grow. And we'd just love to know what you like about the show and maybe the episodes you really like to hear, the one that was the favorite of yours or what made you a regular listener. So if you could leave comments on those platforms, such as YouTube Rumble and Spotify there's places there that you can leave comments. We appreciate you guys that listen and we need your help to spread the word. Help us to grow and reach more people that may need to hear what we share each and every week. And, of course, if I see you give us a shout out, give us some stars there. A good comment, good review. I may give you a shout out here on the show and, thank you, give you a little moment of fame, I guess, if you want to call it that. I really appreciate you guys that come in and listen each week and check out the podcast.
Daniel Moore: 4:20
So we're going to go ahead and get into this week. It's a kind of a long one. It's probably one of the longest ones that I've done so far and I hope that doesn't scare you. But there's just a lot of material here when it comes to knowing who Jesus is, that he is our first love, as Revelation calls him, and we're going to talk about that this week, about how Jesus is love in our life, and so I hope you guys will stick with me this week. There will be a break here about halfway through it, so if you want to stop there and take a little break, come back in on another day and finish it, that's perfectly fine. I just want to try to get as much information out here as I can on this subject this week of Jesus being love.
Daniel Moore: 5:00
One of my favorite quotes about Christian pleasure and pain is by CS Lewis. He is quoted quite often. He said we can ignore even pleasure, but pain insists upon being attended to God, whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscious, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world. I take this to mean that God does care about our pleasures, but they are not the primary way that he draws us closer to him or makes himself known. This quote from CS Lewis can be applied to God's love for us, even in challenging circumstances.
Daniel Moore: 5:37
By understanding that pain and hardship often have a way of bringing us closer to God. We have to understand that God has a presence in our pains. When we are going through difficult times, it is natural to question God's love for us. However, according to Lewis, pain acts as a megaphone through which God communicates with us more powerfully. In moments of pain, we may find ourselves seeking comfort, strength and understanding from a higher power. It is during these times that our relationship with God can deepen, as we rely on His presence to guide us through our challenges. It also gives us the opportunity to learn from our pain.
Daniel Moore: 6:16
While pleasure may not necessarily push us to seek God, pain demands our attention. It is in moments of pain that we are often prompted to reflect on our circumstances, question our purpose and seek answers. These challenging experiences can lead us to a deeper spiritual understanding and a greater appreciation for God's love, even if we aren't currently feeling it. We also have to remember the contrast of pleasure and pain. Lewis suggests that pleasure whispers to us and pain shouts, implying that pain often has a more profound impact on our lives.
Daniel Moore: 6:53
In times of pleasure, it is easier to take God's love for granted and overlook it altogether. However, when pain enters the picture, it forces us to confront our limitations and seek comfort beyond what the world can provide. This can lead us to recognize God's unwavering love for us, even when circumstances don't make us feel loved. That, in turn, will cause us to trust in God's love beyond feelings. Our feelings often fluctuate based on our circumstances, and it is common to experience times when we don't feel loved. However, lewis suggests that God's love can transcend these feelings and be known through conscious and whispered in pleasure. Even if circumstances don't align with our expectations of feeling loved, we can have faith that God's love remains constant and unwavering.
Daniel Moore: 7:43
Ultimately, this quote reminds us that pain can serve as a catalyst for growth, deepening our relationship with God and revealing his love to us in ways that we may not have previously recognized. By acknowledging and seeking God. In our pains we can find comfort, strength and a renewed understanding of his love, despite the challenging circumstances that we face. We don't fully know unconditional love until we realize how much someone loves us in the bad times, not just the good. Of course, pleasures are how we experience God's goodness. But in times of pleasure we tend to forget God. We grow complacent, comfortable, forgetful. Suffering and trials tend to draw us closer to him. Pain leaves us nowhere to go but to our knees, and it's through the pain that God shouts his reminder that he loves us.
Daniel Moore: 8:36
In 2 Corinthians 12, verse 9, it says but he said to me my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness, for I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of my Christ may rest upon me. This verse from 2 Corinthians reminds us that God's grace is sufficient to sustain us in all circumstances. The context of this verse is Paul's Thorn in the Flesh, a trial or weakness that he pleaded with God to remove. Instead of removing it, god assured Paul that his grace would be enough to carry him through. This biblical truth stands as a powerful reminder that, regardless of our weaknesses or challenges, god's grace is more than sufficient to strengthen and support us In our moments of weakness. His power is made perfect, allowing us to experience his strength and provision.
Daniel Moore: 9:31
In Scripture, in Romans 8, 38, and 39, it says For I am convinced that neither life nor death, neither angels nor demons, neither the presence nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. These verses from Romans provide a profound assurance that nothing can separate us from God's love. God's love, in his letter to the Romans, expresses his conviction that there is absolutely nothing in all of creation that has the power to sever the bond between God's love and His children. Regardless of our circumstances, be it life or death, spiritual forces, uncertainties about the future or any adversities that we face, god's love remains unshakable. It transcends all dimensions and aspects of reality. This passage affirms the incredible depth and steadfastness of God's love for His people. Together, these verses illustrate the profound truth of God's grace and love. They remind us that God's grace is sufficient to sustain us even in our weakness, and that there is absolutely nothing that can separate us from His enduring and unwavering love. This assures us that we can find comfort, strength and hope, knowing that God's grace and love are always available to us, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Daniel Moore: 10:57
There is a story about John Fawcett, a Baptist minister, who wrote the hymn Blessed Be the Tithe that Binds. The inspiration behind the hymn stems from Fawcett's personal experiences and reflections on Christian fellowship and community. The story goes that in the late 18th century, fawcett was serving as a pastor in a small rural church in Wainsgate, yorkshire, england. After a few years of faithful service, fawcett received an attractive call and a larger and more prominent church in London. Faced with the opportunity to move, fawcett and his wife began packing their belongings and saying their goodbyes to the congregation. However, the love and unity they experienced among the people of the church deeply touched Fawcett's heart. Overwhelmed by the emotional bond and sense of community they had formed, fawcett decided to decline the offer and remain with the congregation in Wainsgate. He and his wife unpacked their belongings and continued their pastoral ministry there.
Daniel Moore: 11:58
The hymn Blessed Be the Tithe that Binds became a reflection of Fawcett's response to the joy and fellowship he found in his church community. It celebrates the unity and mutual love that Christians share, emphasizing the bonds and connections they have with one another. It serves as a reminder of the importance of Christian fellowship, even in the face of challenging circumstances or the temptation of personal advancement. The hymn Resignated with Many Believers and its message of unity and community continues to inspire and encourage Christians to this day. It serves as a reminder of the strength and blessings found in the tithes that bind Christians together in love and fellowship. No matter what you're going through, god will use the way you love others to transform the world around you.
Daniel Moore: 12:46
The question is do we know what love is and what love isn't? The world practices a transactional love. The world often defines love as something that is centered around oneself and based on feelings. This perspective on love tends to prioritize personal desires, emotions and self-fulfillment above all else. In this view, love is seen as a means to achieve happiness, pleasure and personal gain. According to this definition, love is often understood as a transient and subjective emotion. It is based on how someone makes us feel and excitement they bring to our lives, or the fulfillment of our desires and needs. The focus is primarily on what we receive from the other person rather than on selflessness or sacrificial giving. This understanding of love can be influenced by societal narratives, media portrayals and cultural expectations. Romantic movies, songs and literature often depict love as a passionate, all-consuming emotion that revolves around personal happiness and gratification. This can lead to an individualistic and shallow interpretation of love. However, such a definition of love fails to capture the deeper and more profound aspects of love.
Daniel Moore: 14:03
Love in its truest essence is not solely about personal gain or fleeting fillings. It goes beyond momentary emotions and encompasses a greater sense of commitment, sacrifice and empathy. True love extends beyond oneself and focuses on others. It involves selflessness, compassion and a willingness to put the needs and well-being of others before our own. Love in its purest form seeks the good of the other person, even if it means sacrificing our own desires or comfort. In contrast to the world's perspective, authentic love is not dependent on fluctuating emotions or personal benefits. It is a choice and a commitment to care for and support others, even when it may be challenging or inconvenient. Genuine love goes beyond feelings and persists through hardships and difficulties. While the world may define love as something self-centered and feelings-based, a more profound and meaningful understanding of love transcends personal desires and centers on selfless actions, sacrificial giving and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. On the other hand, god offers a transformational love.
Daniel Moore: 15:13
There are four truths taught in the Bible that better explains God and his transformational love. The first thing we need to realize is that God is love. The concept that God is love is supported by John, chapter 4, verses 7 through 8, which says �But love would let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. This passage teaches us that love is a fundamental characteristic of God's nature. God's essence is defined by love itself. It is not just that God loves or shows love, but God embodies love in its purest form. All love stems from God because he is its source and origin.
Daniel Moore: 16:02
While other forms of love, such as marital, familial or friendship love, are important and significant in our human experience, they are ultimately derived from and reflect the nature of God's love. Human love at its best is a glimpse of the unconditional, sacrificial and selfless love that God has for us. However, the distinction lies in the eternal nature of God's love. While human relationships and earthly forms of love are important and meaningful in this life, they are temporal and limited. They can be influenced by human frailty, circumstances or even brokenness. In contrast, god's love is unchanging and everlasting. It extends beyond this earthly existence and continues into eternity. God's love never fades, fails or diminishes. It remains constant in all circumstances and is available to all who seek Him. This eternal and unfailing nature of God's love makes it the most significant and ultimate form of love. It is only through experiencing and receiving God's love that we can find true fulfillment and purpose in our lives.
Daniel Moore: 17:11
All other forms of love, though valuable, ultimately find their ultimate meaning and fulfillment in relation to God's love. Therefore, while we cherish and appreciate the love we experience within our human relationships, it is God's love that is of utmost importance. It is the love that sustains us, transforms us and draws us closer to Him. Ultimately, it is God's love that provides us with eternal hope and assures us of His unwavering care and presence. To grow closer to Jesus, we must grow deeper in our understanding of both the definition and the origin of His love. Secondly, we also need to understand that God's love is perfect. This is the ultimate relief, especially for those that endure an exhaustion of imperfect love. We all experience this to some degree at times, but others endure it in ways some of us will never experience. Those that are in abusive relationships are left all alone by an adulterous spouse or a friendship of a lifetime that suddenly turns into an ultimate betrayal. Those are examples of imperfect love. God's love is perfect.
Daniel Moore: 18:20
John 4.18 says there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, for fear has to do with punishment and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4, chapter 16-17 states so we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and anyone who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in them. By this, love is perfected with us so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because, as he is, so also are we in this world. These passages highlight the nature of God's perfect love, which is characterized by its transformative power and freedom from fear. In John 4.18, it is emphasized that perfect love casts out fear. Fear is often associated with punishment or judgment, and it can inhibit our ability to truly experience love. However, god's perfect love is unlike any human love we may encounter. It is free from conditions, condemnation and retribution. In God's love, we find the freedom to fully trust, surrender and experience peace. It removes the fear of punishment and replaces it with a sense of security and acceptance.
Daniel Moore: 19:36
1 John 4.16-17 further reinforces the understanding that God is love. His very essence is love itself. Through faith in Christ, we are invited to dwell and abide in this love. As we come to know and believe in God's love, we are transformed and perfected in it. Our encounters with God's love through His gracious actions towards us, his sacrificial love on the cross and His ongoing faithfulness shape and refine our own capacity to love. This perfect love not only brings personal transformation and healing, but it also gives us confidence for the day of judgment. When we abide in God's love and allow it to fill and overflow through us, we can face the certainty of God's judgment with assurance. We can trust that His perfect love covers our imperfections, forgives our shortcomings and enables us to stand blameless before Him. These verses highlight God's perfect love that never fails. It is a love that casts out fear, delivers us from the threat of punishment and completes us as we abide in it. It is a transformative love that assures us of our worth, acceptance and security in Christ. This perfect love grants us confidence in facing the day of judgment and empowers us to extend love to others in the same way that God loves us.
Daniel Moore: 20:56
Thirdly, god's love is also made known to us through Christ. First John, chapter 4-9, states In this, the love of God was made manifest among us, that God's sin is only sent unto the world so that we might live through Him. This verse emphasizes how God's love is revealed and displayed to us through Jesus Christ and the life we have in Him. Firstly, the ultimate manifestation of God's love is seen in sending of His Son, jesus Christ, into the world. God, out of His immense love for humanity, took the initiative to bridge the gap between Himself and humanity. By sending Jesus, god demonstrated His love in a tangible and sacrificial way. Jesus' life, ministry, death and resurrection are a living testimony to the depth and extent of God's love for us. Jesus' life on earth revealed the very nature of God's love. He demonstrated compassion, forgiveness and selflessness. Through His teachings, miracles and interactions with people from all walks of life, jesus exemplified God's unconditional and transformative love. His willingness to lay down His life on the cross for the salvation of humanity is the pinnacle of God's love being put on display.
Daniel Moore: 22:09
Additionally, 1 John 4-9 highlights that through our relationship with Christ, we experience the fullness of life. By embracing Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we enter into a new and abundant life in Him. This life is marked by a deep communion with God and restored relationship with Him and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. It is through this life in Christ that God's love is continuously made manifest in us and through us. As believers, we are called to reflect and embody the love of Christ in our own lives. Through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, we can love others as Christ has loved us. Our actions, words and attitudes can be expressions of God's love as we extend grace, kindness and forgiveness to those around us. 1 John 4-9 declares that God's love is made manifest through the sending of Jesus Christ into the world. Through His life, death and resurrection, jesus revealed the depth of God's love for us. Furthermore, as believers, we experience the fullness of life in Christ, and it is through this life that God's love continues to be put on display in and through us.
Daniel Moore: 23:19
There are many scriptures in the Bible that confirms how Christ's love serves us as an example for us to follow in our interactions with others. John 13-34 states A new commandment I give to you that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Here Jesus instructs His disciples to love one another as he has loved them. By loving sacrificially, unconditionally and selflessly, jesus sets the standard of love and provides us with an example to emulate.
Daniel Moore: 23:52
1 John 2-9-11 admonishes believers to walk in the light and have genuine love for one another. It emphasizes that when we hate or fail to love our fellow believers, we are walking in darkness. Conversely, when we love with sincerity, it reflects and aligns us with God's nature of love. God's love serves as a model for us to cultivate authentic love and unity within the community of believers. Ephesians 4-15 encourages us to speak the truth in love and grow in all aspects into Christ, who is the head In this passage. God's love is a guiding principle for how we communicate and relate to one another. The call to speak the truth in love reminds us to exercise both compassion and honesty, ensuring that our words and actions reflect the love demonstrated by God.
Daniel Moore: 24:43
1 Timothy 1-5 highlights the goal of our instruction as love that issues from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. God's love is the objective and purpose of our teaching and instruction. Through His example, we learn to love genuinely from a heart that is motivated by purity, righteousness and sincere faith. Ephesians 5-1 and 2 urges believers to imitate God and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. It emphasizes that godly love, modeled by Jesus' self-sacrifice on the cross, becomes a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. God's love for us becomes a motivation for us to sacrificially love others, allowing our lives to emanate the aroma of His love Collectively.
Daniel Moore: 25:32
These verses underscore that God's love is not only an example for us to follow, but it also serves as the foundation of motivation for our love toward others. By imitating God's love, we can walk in unity, speak truthfully yet compassionately, cultivate genuine relationships and offer sacrificial love to those around us. God's love becomes both the measure and the driving force behind our interactions with others, guiding us to embody His love in our daily lives. People who come into contact with Jesus' love will be transformed. No one who experiences His love can stay the same. We have to remember that Christian love is rooted in the gospel, as it is the very essence of God's message and plan for humanity. We're going to take a break here for a moment. When we come back, we're going to continue our discussion this week on who Is Jesus. Jesus Is Love. We'll be back right after this.
Chat About Jesus Dot Com: 26:37
You toss, you turn. You wake up feeling totally stressed. It's that nightmare almost everyone has one time or another being caught unprepared for an exam, a deadline or a performance. Actually, life's worst nightmare is about not being ready, and it's reality. Jesus described a man who had been all about himself, who was totally unprepared. When God said to him this very night your life will be demanded from you Now, for each of us, there will come that day when God says it is over, and that's why the Bible says Prepare to meet your God. The only way to prepare is to get rid of the sins. That will keep you out of heaven, and no religion can do that for you, because only Jesus died to satisfy the death penalty for your sins. You can't afford to let other things crowd out Jesus any longer. You can't keep hoping that you were basically a good person and that will be enough. You need Christ in your heart. If you want to learn how to have that type of relationship with Jesus, call 888-NEED-HIM or go to chataboutjesuscom.
Daniel Moore: 27:57
Welcome back to Connecting the Gap. I'm Daniel Moore, the host for this podcast. Thank you for being here this week. I hope you're enjoying the study that we've been doing on who Is Jesus this week. He is love. Also, don't forget that you can go to my website, connectingthegapnet, and transcripts for all of these episodes that we've been having since the beginning of this episode series. You can actually download those on my website. There's a link there for transcripts. You can print those out and have a copy of your own of the transcripts of each one of these If you'd like to study this more in depth, as we are delivering tons of material each week. I know I'm just bombarding you with scriptures and all kinds of explanations and facts from scripture. That might be an easier way for you to follow along in the long run if you go and download those Again, connectingthegapnet, and there you can find the transcripts for today's episode as well as the rest of them for this series.
Daniel Moore: 28:52
Second Corinthians 518 states All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. This verse points to the central message of the gospel God's act of reconciliation through Christ. In the gospel, god took the initiative to restore the broken relationship between himself and humanity by offering the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. This act of reconciliation demonstrates God's immense love for us, as stated in John 316,. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. The gospel reveals the selfless love of God, who willingly sacrificed his Son for the salvation of humanity. The sacrificial love becomes the foundation of Christian love, inspiring believers to love sacrificially as well. In 1 John 4-9-11, the apostle John further explains the connection between the gospel and Christian love, as this is how God showed his love among us he sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. In these verses, we see that our ability to love others is rooted in understanding and experiencing God's love for us.
Daniel Moore: 30:20
As Christians grasp the depth of God's sacrificial love in the gospel. It compels them to extend that love to others. Christian love is therefore not merely based on personal affection or emotions, but on the selfless sacrificial love that God demonstrates through Jesus. In Matthew 22, 37-40, jesus teaches that the greatest commandments are to love God with all of our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbors ourselves. As believers grow in their understanding of the gospel, they realize that loving God and loving others are deeply entwined Through the gospel. Christians recognize that their love for others is an overflow of their love and gratitude towards God. Overall Christian love finds its roots in the gospel message of God's sacrificial love and reconciliation through Christ. As believers grasp this truth and experience God's love in their own lives, it naturally overflows into their relationships with others, inspiring them to love sacrificially, selflessly and unconditionally. Christian love is also others focused. In a previous episode, where we talked about Jesus being our Savior, we talked about Peter's words to struggling Christians about their need for Jesus to rescue their souls being even more important than their need for him to rescue from their trials. His words to struggling believers was not just to believe in Jesus, but to love each other like Jesus.
Daniel Moore: 31:48
Faking love or pretending to love others while harboring insincere intentions or motivations is indeed a manifestation of hypocritical love. This concept can be explored through various biblical passages, including 1 Peter, 1.22, john 13, 34-35, and John 17-18, which emphasize the importance of genuine others focused love. In 1 Peter 1.22, it states Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth, so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. This verse highlights the need for believers to have purified hearts, free from hypocrisy, in order to love others genuinely. Faking love contradicts the very idea of sincere love, as it involves pretending to care for others while harboring ulterior motives or inciscerity.
Daniel Moore: 32:41
In John 13, 34-35, jesus gives His disciples a new commandment, a new command I give you Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. This passage emphasizes the selfless, sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus himself and calls on believers to express the same kind of love towards others. Faking love contradicts this command as it lacks the genuineness and selflessness demanded by Christ. Additionally, in John 17-18, jesus prays for His disciples, saying as you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. This verse reminds believers of their mission in the world to represent Christ and His love to others. Faking love violates this mission, as it fills to genuinely reflect the love of Christ to those around us.
Daniel Moore: 33:38
True love, rooted in the gospel, should be others focused and seek to genuinely bless, uplift and meet the needs of others. Faking love not only contradicts the teachings of Scripture, but also hinders the positive impact of Christian witness. By pretending to love, individuals demonstrate a facade that can deceive others and undermine the credibility of the gospel message. True Christian love, on the other hand, is marked by sincerity, authenticity and selflessness, and it serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Christ's love. Therefore, believers are called to examine their hearts and motivations, ensuring that their love for others is genuine and others focused. By aligning their love with the example set by Jesus and rooted in the gospel, christians can avoid the trap of hypocritical love and truly live out the selfless, sacrificial love that marks genuine discipleship.
Daniel Moore: 34:34
The year 1848 marked a significant period in the history of the Christian faith, particularly in relation to the ministries and interactions of RC Chapman, george Mueller, john Nelson Darby and Benjamin Willis Newton. These individuals were all involved in a pastoral disagreement that eventually brought them into the spotlight, capturing the attention of other prominent figures like Charles Spurgeon. At the center of the dispute were differing theological perspectives on the nature and governance of the church, rc Chapman, and esteemed preacher and pastor, held to a more congregationalist view, emphasizing the autonomy and independence of local churches. George Mueller, known for his radical faith in God's provision, was aligned with Chapman in his congregationalist leanings. On the other hand, john Nelson Darby and Benjamin Willis Newton were prominent figures in the early development of the Plymouth Brethren Movement. They advocated for a more centralized and hierarchical structure, emphasizing the unity and universal nature of the church. The disagreement between these four men became a matter of public discussion and even impacted the fellowship among Christians in the broader community. At the time, the Plymouth Brethren Movement was gaining momentum and his teachings were attracting attention and followers.
Daniel Moore: 35:54
The dispute between Darby and Newton, particularly in relation to church governance, created tension within the movement itself. During this disagreement, charles Spurgeon, a well-known preacher and staunch Calvinist, played a significant role. Although not directly involved in the dispute, he found himself closely observing the situation. Despite theological differences with Darby, spurgeon held a deep appreciation for his character and dedication to God. He famously referred to Darby as the saintliest man I ever knew, due to his personal piety and commitment to the Christian faith. Spurgeon's commendation of Darby highlighted the recognition of the inner virtues of a person, even in the midst of theological disagreements. It shed light on the fact that, while theological debates and disagreements can't exist, the character and faithfulness of individuals should be acknowledged Ultimately. As time passed, the tensions between Chapman, mueller, darby and Newton started to dissipate. The focus shifted away from personal disputes to the wider work of ministry and evangelism. Each of these individuals continued to make significant contributions to the Christian faith, leaving behind a lasting impact on generations to come. The story of the pastoral disagreement in 1848 serves as a reminder that even among devoted believers, disagreements can arise. However, it also highlights the importance of maintaining respect and recognizing the godly qualities in one another despite theological differences. Just as Charles Spurgeon saw the saintliness in John Nelson Darby, Christians today can seek to find common ground in unity in their shared love for Christ, even amidst theological disagreements.
Daniel Moore: 37:42
In John 13-17, we witness a powerful and profound expression of God's unconditional love, a love that surpasses understanding. This passage narrates the famous scene where Jesus, on the night before his crucifixion, humbly washes the feet of his disciples. Through this act, jesus demonstrates a depth of love that transcends societal norms, personal pride and even human comprehension. The first aspect of Christ's unconditional love that is highlighted in this passage is his humility. Jesus, being fully aware of his divine authority and position, chose to perform the task of a lowly servant. Washing feet was a task typically assigned to the lowest ranking or youngest servant in a household, yet Jesus selflessly takes on this role, kneeling before his disciples to cleanse their feet of dirt and dust. This humility profoundly demonstrates his love for them, as he willingly sets aside his own dignity to serve and care for their needs. Furthermore, the unconditional nature of Christ's love is exhibited in the fact that he washes the feet of all of his disciples, including Judas Iscariot, his soon-to-be-protrayer. Even though Jesus knew Judas would betray him, he does not exclude him from this act of love. Instead, he washes Judas' feet just as he washes the feet of the others, displaying a love that is not dependent on the reciprocation or deserving of the recipient. This shows us that Christ's love extends even to those who may have wronged or betrayed him, illustrating the boundless nature of his unconditional love.
Daniel Moore: 39:20
In this passage, jesus also provides an explanation for his actions, stating I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. That's in John 13.15. Jesus' act of washing his disciples' feet serves as a model for how they should love and serve one another by washing their feet. Jesus emphasizes that love should be demonstrated through humble acts of service, regardless of one's status or position. Overall, this passage powerfully conveys how Christ's love is truly unconditional. He exemplifies this love through his humility, serving his disciples regardless of their impending failures or betrayals.
Daniel Moore: 39:59
Christ's actions challenge us to reflect upon our own capacity to love unconditionally, to set aside our pride and prejudices, and to serve and care for others with selflessness and humility. May we seek to emulate Christ's love and follow his example in our own lives. Now you may assume that the statement unconditional love means that you should let people walk all over you. Well, this couldn't be further from the truth For our model of unconditional love. Jesus shows us that truth requires love, but also that love never compromises with truth. Warren Wearsby once said Truth without love is brutality and love without truth is hypocrisy.
Daniel Moore: 40:41
Jesus' approach of showing hard truth through love is evident in several passages of the Bible. In Mark 10, verse 17-27,. In this passage, a rich young man approaches Jesus and asks how he may inherit eternal life. After affirming that he has kept the commandments, jesus tells him One thing you lack go, sell everything you have and give it to the poor and you will have treasures in heaven. That's in Mark 10, verse 21. Jesus and his love confronts the young man with the truth that his wealth has become an obstacle to him fully following God. Although the young man walks away sorrowful, jesus' intention is to reveal the man's misplaced priorities and challenge him to make a choice.
Daniel Moore: 41:28
In Matthew 23, jesus addresses the Pharisees and religious leaders, confronting their hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Though his words are stern and filled with rebuke, jesus' love for them is evident in his desire to correct their behavior and lead them toward repentance. Jesus repeatedly calls them out for their hypocrisy, urging them to examine their hearts and transform their actions to align with God's will. In Matthew 16, 21-23, jesus predicts his own death and resurrection, but Peter rebukes him not understanding the necessity of Jesus' sacrifice. In response, jesus says to Peter Get behind me, satan. You are a stumbling block to me. You do not have in mind the concerns of God. That's Matthew 16, 23. Jesus, out of love, rebukes Peter's misguided thinking and redirects his focus towards God's plan and ultimate redemption for humanity. Jesus' stern words are intended to lead Peter back to a right understanding and mindset.
Daniel Moore: 42:32
In Luke 10, 38-42, jesus visits the home of Mary and Martha. Martha becomes preoccupied with serving and complains about her sister, mary, who chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to his teachings. Jesus gently corrects Martha, saying Martha, martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed, or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her. That's Luke 10, 41-42. Jesus and his love urges Martha to prioritize her time with him and underscores the importance of spiritual nourishment. Through his words, he redirects Martha's focus towards what truly matters.
Daniel Moore: 43:16
In Luke 9, 37-42, a man brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus' disciples for healing. However, they are unsuccessful. When Jesus arrives, the man expresses his frustration. Jesus then rebukes the disciples, saying you, unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you? That's in Luke 9, 41. While Jesus' words may seem harsh, his intention is to highlight the disciples' lack of faith and their need to fully rely on God's power. Jesus demonstrates tough love to encourage their growth and reliance on him.
Daniel Moore: 43:55
In Matthew 7, 15, jesus warns about false prophets who disguise themselves as sheeps but are actually wolves. Jesus advises his listeners to be discerning and recognize these deceivers by their actions. By sharing this caution, jesus shows his love by enlightening and protecting his followers from those who would lead them astray. In each of these passages, jesus confronts individuals or groups with hard truths through love. His intention is not to condemn or berate, but rather to address their misunderstandings, wrongdoings or misplaced priorities, guiding them back into the path of righteousness. Jesus' loving approach seeks to bring about repentance, growth and a deeper relationship with God.
Daniel Moore: 44:43
Christian love is also sacrificial. In 1 Peter 1.22, the apostle Peter highlights the sacrificial nature of Christian love. He writes "'Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth, so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply from the heart'". Firstly, peter notes that Christian love is grounded in obedience to the truth. This truth refers to the gospel message of Jesus Christ and the transformative power it has in the lives of believers. When individuals accept and follow this truth, they undergo a process of purification, which includes being forgiven of their sins and being filled with the Holy Spirit. This purification enables believers to truly love one another.
Daniel Moore: 45:30
The sacrificial aspect of Christian love is seen in the call to love one another deeply from the heart. The love that Christians are called to exhibit is not superficial or shallow. It is a love that requires effort, selflessness and genuine care for others. It is a love that goes beyond mere words or sentiments, but is demonstrated through sacrificial actions. Jesus provides the ultimate example of sacrificial love through his life, death and resurrection. As his followers, christians are called to emulate this sacrificial love and their interaction with others.
Daniel Moore: 46:06
This sacrificial love involves putting the needs, interest and well-being of others before one's own. It involves self-denial and serving others, even when it costs us our time, resources or comfort. Christian love is sacrificial because it requires individuals to love, even when it may not be reciprocated or appreciated. It means loving those who may be difficult to love or who have wronged us. It means forgiving others, showing mercy and reaching out to those in need. This sacrificial love is not limited to our immediate family or friends, but extends to all people, regardless of their background, ethnicity or social standing. By practicing sacrificial love, christians display the transformative power of the gospel and provide a witness to the world. This kind of love reflects the nature of God, who sacrificially loved humanity by sending his son to die for their sins. It is through sacrificial love that Christian communities can experience unity, healing and genuine connection with one another.
Daniel Moore: 47:10
In 1 Corinthians 13, it's often referred to as the love chapter, the apostle Paul provides a profound description of what love looks like in action. As we close today, here are a few practical ways that we can put love into action based on the principles outlined in this chapter. First off is patience. Patience with others. We need to practice that, both in words and actions. Choose to respond calmly and with understanding, even in challenging situations.
Daniel Moore: 47:41
Secondly, kindness look for opportunities to be kind to those around you, offering a helping hand, speak words of encouragement and show genuine care and concern for others. Third, humility cultivate a humble attitude, recognizing that love is not about promoting oneself but uplifting and serving others. Put aside pride and ego, seeking the wellbeing of others above personal recognition. Fourth respect treat others with respect, regardless of their background, beliefs or opinions. Value their dignity and worth as fellow human beings created in God's image. Fifth, selflessness prioritize the need and interest of others above your own. Show a willingness to sacrifice your time, resources and desires to meet the needs of those around you.
Daniel Moore: 48:34
Sixth, forgiveness practice forgiveness, letting go of grudges and resentments. Choose to extend grace and mercy to those who have wronged you, just as God forgives us. Seventh, honesty communicate truthfully and with integrity. Be honest in your interactions, both in what you say and how you act, avoiding deception and manipulation. Eighth protection love actively protects and fosters the wellbeing of others. Stand up against injustice, defend the weak and vulnerable, and seek to create a safe and nurturing environment for those around you. Ninth, trust build relationships based on trust and reliability. Be someone who others can confide in and rely on, keeping confidences and demonstrating trustworthiness. And, finally, perseverance. Love is not a fleeting emotion. It endures in difficult times. Commit to persevering and loving relationships and working through challenges rather than giving up easily. Well, as we close this podcast this week, jesus is love.
Daniel Moore: 49:45
A lot of times we get in those situations where we feel like we're unworthy and we feel like that God doesn't love us. Or how could he love us? We are imperfect individuals that sometimes mess up. All the time I prayed with several people in my lifetime that their words that came out of their mouth constantly reflected the idea that they were not worthy, I'm not good enough. There's no way that I can ask God into my life and that he's going to change anything, because I'm not worthy of that and I don't deserve that.
Daniel Moore: 50:17
The reality of it is all of us were born into sinful nature. We were all born into this world on a level plane. The only thing that changes is when we give our life to Christ through that sacrifice on the cross. That blood covers a multitude of sin. Anything in our past is behind us. We have to look forward to the future. The Bible says that when we ask Jesus into our heart, that blood covers our sins and he cannot see them no more. Those sins are in our past and he wants us to move forward. He forgets everything that we've ever done. It's hard for us to do that. We wanna hang on to those things and make ourselves feel that we aren't worthy.
Daniel Moore: 51:00
Remember, though putting love into action is an ongoing process and none of us will be perfect at it. However, when we intentionally seek to embody these qualities of love, we contribute to a loving and harmonious community that reflects the characters of Christ and draws others closer to the love of God. If we are honest, we will probably spend our entire lives starting and restarting, because the only way to walk out that kind of saintly love is to walk toward Christ as a center. Over and over again, we will always fail trying to live up to God's standard of love, but the more time we spend with Jesus, the more we will love. Like Jesus, if you fill up your heart with Christ, you will love in a way that reflects who he is and, in turn, have an assurance that your faith, hope and love are real. Well, that's going to do it for this week.
Daniel Moore: 51:53
If you'd like for us to pray with you, please reach out. We have a contact page on our website, connectingthegapnet. You can fill that out. That will send that to us or email us. Daniel, at connectingthegapnet. We'd love to hear from you. If you don't know Jesus as your savior, you've never experienced that salvation, transforming power that can come into your life and put you on that new path. There's also a link on our site on how to get saved. If you do go through that process and you ask God to come into your heart, you change your life and you don't have a Bible, let us know. We'll get you a Bible to you, and just know that we're here for you. We want to stand with you in prayer. We want to walk beside you, help answer any questions that you may have. So please utilize those links on our website at connectingthegapnet. Also, don't forget that you can get a copy of the transcript of this episode and all the other episodes in this series as they're released and have been released. That's on our website as well, and once we're done, we're going to make an offer to you to actually get a copy of all of these episodes on a flash drive so you can stay tuned for how to get that as time moves along.
Daniel Moore: 53:01
Well, I'm out of here for this week. Thanks again to our sponsor. We Are Warriors Apparel. Next week we have a special Christmas episode. We'll get back into some of our previous style of Bible study, how we've done it before, and it's going to be a good fun one that I think we'll learn a lot from, and just celebrate the birth of Jesus and his birthday. We'll look forward to that coming up next Thursday here on Connecting the Gap. Until next week, don't forget that God's Word never fails us. God's Word has stood the test of time and through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap.
Daniel Moore: 53:34
You've been listening to Connecting the Gap podcast. I'm Daniel Moore, the host for this podcast, and I personally thank you for listening. Each week In this world there are many disconnects that cause chaos in our lives. This podcast is birthed from the desire to share hope and restoration of the power of the gospel by being transparent and open in our biblical walk with God. Each week, we take a few moments as we navigate God's Word and peer into other people's testimonies and encourage each other to connect the gap.
Daniel Moore: 54:00
We upload a new audio podcast every Thursday and a video version of it on YouTube and Rumble. We are also on the Christian podcasting app Edify. You can subscribe to our podcast on many of the available podcasting platforms, such as Apple Podcasts, deezer, spotify, google Podcast, amazon Music, iheart Radio, tunein Radio and many more. We are also available on your Alexa-enabled devices. If you would like to give us feedback or would like to contact our ministry for any reason, including prayer, visit our contact page at wwwconnectingthegapnet and send us a message. We hope you are blessed by this ministry. This is a production of Connecting the Gap Ministries.
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