CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CENTRE
DR PAUL MINISTRIES
L O V E
Date: 2 August 2013
Facilitator: Rosemary Mahabeer
LESSON ONE
Every person has a need : to be loved
to belong
to be recognised
to be appreciated
to have a sense of self worth
How these needs are met or fulfilled has a crucial impact on a person’s SELF IMAGE !
The POWER OF LOVE makes an indelible impact wherever it is practised.
What is LOVE ?
(Ask cell members to give own ideas of what love is in one or two words.)
Some meanings from the dictionary:
An intense affection, concern for another person .
An intense sexual desire and overwhelming affection for another.(couples/spouse)
A term of endearment.
A strong fondness.
Gods’ benevolence and mercy towards man
Man’s devotion and adoration towards GOD
The benevolence, kindness, brotherhood that mankind should rightfully feel towards each other.
Different forms of love are found ,in varying degrees, in all sections of the human race even where the gospel has never been preached.
The English language uses the word Love in many different contexts
The Greek language has more than one word for Love and relates to specific contexts/situations.
Phileo - friendly, brotherly love
Eros –intimate love in marriage
Agape- Gods’ Divine Love
Romans 3v23 “for all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God”
6v23 “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”
WE ARE CHRISTIANS-FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST!
WE BELONG TO CHRIST –WE MUST LIVE ACCORDING TO HIS RULES!
HIS RULES ARE HIS TEACHINGS WHICH ARE GOVERNED BY LOVE!
GOD IS LOVE!
ROMANS 5v 5 “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us”
THE DIVINE LOVE OF OUR GOD
AGAPE :This love refers to the PERFECT LOVE between the PERSONS of the GODHEAD-THE FATHER,THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT .
The love that caused GOD the FATHER to give His Son and the love that made JESUS give HIS LIFE for mankind is the ultimate expression of THE LOVE OF OUR GOD!
LOVE IS ACTIVE !
JOHN 4v7,8.”Beloved let us love………He who does not love does not know God ,for God is love”
This divine love is imparted to each believer by THE HOLY SPIRIT.( Romans 5v5)
The born again experience and getting to know God through HIS HOLY WORD, increases HIS LOVE in our lives. THIS LOVE MUST BE EVIDENT IN OUR DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST !
Romans 5 v 8 “But God demonstrates His own love towards us ,in that while we were yet sinners ,Christ died for us”
Many Christians have no problem in accepting salvation , eternal life and “forms of godliness” however, many Christians experience difficulty in receiving and giving This LOVE of GOD. They have deep hurts and wounds that need to be removed from their lives. These issues can be overcome when one encounters the precious Love of God.
This Love is available to us in His Presence. His love is unconditional. His love conquers all our hurts and fears. God wants us to experience the power of HIS LOVE
“His love is like a great fire and if we are to keep feeling his warmth ,we must keep bringing the wood” by TERESA of AVILA. (‘wood’-private devotions ,prayer ,worship ,bible reading)
Spending your own /personal time in The Presence of God is vital to our enjoying his nearness and love!
Have you received This DIVINE LOVE OF GOD?
How has His Love impacted your life on a daily basis?
Do you feel / know the LOVE of GOD?
Is your SELF IMAGE rooted in HIS LOVE?
GOD LOVES YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE !
SUGGESTED SONGS: The power of your love (hold me close ..)
More love, more power, more of you in my life.
The love of JESUS is so wonderful.