Sunday Worship Service: June 13, 2021 Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21 Message: "The ART of Loving" Pastor Jon VanderWall Check out this week's bulletin: https://www.hopkinscommunitychurch.net/bulletin/ Worship Songs: God So Loved How Deep the Father’s Love O Praise the Name This is Amazing Grace You Are My King (Amazing Love) All songs used with permission: License #2279699 All songs streamed with permission: License #20466216 Give and Support Hopkins Community Church: https://www.hopkinscommunitychurch.net/giving/ Thoughts for Reflection (A club for your “Evangelism Golf Bag”): “From now on, we no longer regard anyone from a worldly point of view.” 2 Corinthians 5:16 Love. It is one of the most important words in all of Scripture. We are reminded that God is love and that the very definition of love is found in God and is seen in His action toward us. The Bible tells us that, even while we were still God’s enemies, He sent His Son Jesus to die so that our relationship with Him could be restored. Regardless of the ways culture tries to co-opt or redefine the word, God’s love and purpose stands FOREVER marked as His constant work to draw humanity back into relationship with Himself. Knowing that God loves us isn’t the end of the story though. As we have been talking about, we are Christ’s ambassadors, modeling Him with our lives. God’s radical love for us is one that we are called to emulate in our relationships with others. Just as God has freely offered His love to us, so too we love others unconditionally, setting ourselves (opinions, assumptions, feelings, etc.) aside for the sake of Christ. Something to take home (Practice using the club): How would you describe the way God sees you and loves you? Make a list. How does this list clarify the way we are called to show God’s love to other people? What does it mean to show God’s love to a stranger? What are some practical ways you can bless those around you this week and shower them with God’s love? Read Luke 6:27-36. Who is in your life today that fits this category? Pray for them right now. How is God prompting you to reconcile with this person? How can you show them God’s love? Who has God put on your heart today? How does He want to use your unique love and care to impact this person’s life?