“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 – NIV) Today, I launch a new clergy collegial blog. I hope we will encourage and empower each other toward success and excellence in pastoral ministry. As I sit in the Pastor’s Study at Cambria Heights Community Church, I often ponder the possible feedback of clergy colleagues as it relates to preparing sermons, counseling in particularly difficult situation, designing fresh worship, balancing competing priorities of ministry, marriage and family, maintaining self-care, pursuing personal dreams and private interests outside of ministry and family, and finding resources to meet the ever evolving and changing needs of the people whom I serve. After a sustained period of prayer, reflection and meditation, I realize I can invite you to come “In The Pastor’s Study” for an exchange of ideas.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

1 John 2:8-11 Bible Study Notes


Bible Study Notes
A New Command, Love as Jesus Christ Loves
1 John 2:8-11


  • The new command for disciples is emulate Christ love.  In Him, the darkness of self-centered fear and self-seeking motives yields to the light of unconditional love and practical service to demonstrate it.
  • The surest truth and most reliable revelation of God is seen in Jesus Christ.
  • In the ninth verse, John offers the stark admonition, “anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.” 
  • Allude to Ms. Priscilla Ann McLeod’s, my second grade elementary teacher, refusal to allow anyone to use the word, hate, about anyone or anything. 
  • Also, in the English language, we use the same word for love of material things, food and activities that we use for our love of people.
  • Allude to the growing divisions within the “Beloved Community” and the later secession of some members.
  • The people who remained had the difficult task of continuing to love those who left regardless of their disagreements and actions.
  • In comparison with hatred, the person who loves lives in the light.  Love is the surest means of reflecting any genuine belief in Almighty God who is Love.
  • If we are to do what Jesus would do, we strive to demonstrate His love in all circumstances.
  • As a loving person, there is nothing in your character that causes you to stumble into sin.
  • Love is moral, ethical, just, sacrificial, and redemptive.  “Love covers a multitude of sins.”
  • In the final analysis, the person who hates lives in darkness and wanders aimlessly because his hatred blinds him to the light and love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

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