When I was in college I read a little book called The Mark of a Christian by Francis Schaeffer. It had to be the only book I read and understood by that intelligent man. I tried to use it as my required reading for one of my classes but its 20-30 some pages did not not meet the professor’s criteria for a worthy book. I don’t know why do you? 🙂
The mark of a Christian, according to Schaeffer is the same mark Jesus talked about in John 13:34-35: “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. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
This week I’m going to delve further into the second part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
- Becoming a follower of Jesus produces a desire to obey…there is a submissive will.
- Becoming a follower of Jesus produces an ability to love…there is a caring heart.
The commandment to love is not a new one. Even the OT tells us to love. But Romans 13:8-10 shows us it needs to go further. So this week my emphasis will be a new kind of love. I’d appreciate your prayers for me and the church. Thanks ahead of time.
Maybe it’s because this past week was Valentine’s Day, but I’ve seen these verses from John 13:34-35 repeatedly. And that’s not a bad thing! 🙂
Keeping you in prayer for your sermon, Bill.
Blessings!
Love is so powerful and yet we often overlook it’s importance. We talk about loving others but love is a verb. It takes action.
Sounds like a great sermon. I’ll be praying.
I always wonder why all the Christians that know that verse and can at least paraphrase it, don’t try to live it?
Praying for you, Bill. Have a wonderful weekend.