This coming Sunday we will begin a new study on the commandments that Jesus described as the two “greatest”:  check out Matthew 22:37-40. 

How do you define the word “love”?

What does love look like in the body of Christ?

“Love is an unequivocal command for the Christian, but love must be exercised on two different levels:  love for God and love for people.  It is important to understand that these two loves are note the same.”  — Josh McDowell and Norm Geisler in:  Love is Always Right.

If McDowell and Geisler are correct, then how are the two loves different?

“Most people are never able to achieve the fullness of life that represents the highest glory of God in humans.  They remain forever shackled by doubts, fears, and guilt, trading in pain-dulling options and addictions.  The world of advertising plays upon their tortured spirit, promising them treats in taste, blue vacation skies, better mattresses, and so on.  They buy these things, hoping to fly now and pay later, until the closets of their lives become cluttered.  But the pain goes on throbbing.  Profound change never comes quickly or easily. . . But one thing is clear.  All pyschological research has established this fact beyond doubt.  More important than any psychological theory, teaching, or therapeutic technique, that which heals and promotes human change and growth is a one-to-one relationship of love.”  — John Powell, in:  The Secret of Staying in Love.

See you Sunday!

November 15, 2009:  The annual Revelator Thanksgiving dinner will be held at church after the Sunday morning service.  A sign-up sheet will be circulated in class soon.

December 11, 2009:  We will celebrate Christmas this Friday evening.   We will be going back to the same restaurant we reserved for last year if it is available.  Confirmation soon!

Actually, its just an excuse for the Revelators to get together to enjoy each other’s company.  The events of this summer have made it difficult to have an organized recreation schedule, so we are going to get together after the Sunday morning service on August 23.   Our intended destination at this point is Fort Ben Harrison for a cook-out and pitch-in combo, and we will confirm when that has been finalized.   Meanwhile, put this important afternoon on your calendar and plan to bring the kids and the dog, or the neighbor kids and their dog.  More details to follow soon.