For the LOVE of GodFor the LOVE of GodThe Epistles of Johnp J

UMW Spiritual Growth Study

C h G l G ál d J L G álCatherine Gunsalus González and Justo L. González

For the LOVE of God

Rev. Dana McKimOrdained ,WNCC 1985Dual appointment

The Village ChurchPfeiffer University

Pat McKimPat McKimMacedonia UMC, Youth and Children’s Ministry

A 16 & A hl 7Aaron, 16 & Ashley, 7Missions & Disaster Responsep

For the LOVE of God

PFEIFFER UNIVERSITYPFEIFFER UNIVERSITY

1885 – our 125th Year1885 our 125 Year1 of 13 UMW SchoolsONLY Missions MajorONLY Missions MajorAlso, CE, Youth Ministry, MAPT Deacon Studies MAPT, Deacon Studies Program

For the LOVE of God

The Village ChurchThe Village ChurchOne of a kind UMCStudents Faculty StaffStudents Faculty Staff35% Worship IncreaseIntegrated in UniversityIntegrated in UniversityMultiple Ministries4 Mi i T i4 Mission TripsUMW Unit

For the LOVE of GodFor the LOVE of GodThe Epistles of Johnp J

UMW Spiritual Growth Study

C h G l G ál d J L G álCatherine Gunsalus González and Justo L. González

S i 1

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

Session 1

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

For the Love of God

IntroductionWe live in a world of First Century Spirituality

No faith or trust in institutionsNo faith or trust in institutionsAccess to a wide variety of world views and optionspEase of access to information – globalizationNew tools and more effective communicationNew tools and more effective communicationHunger to know and experience more

For the Love of God

Personal HolinessAt the core of Wesleyan theologyWesley had a passion for the Epistles of JohnWesley had a passion for the Epistles of John

SimpleDirectDirectHeart of the GospelEncourage spiritual growthEncourage spiritual growth

For the Love of God

Misconceptions of Spiritualityp p ySpirituality is incompatible with the MaterialSpirituality is the same as doctrineSpirituality is the same as doctrineSpirituality is only individual

For the Love of God

For the Love of God

What “cannot be What cannot be changed” in your life?What could be What could be changed in your life?Wh d What discernment do you need for h h things that are a

hindrance in your lif ?life?

For the Love of God

The Law of Cause and Effect:The Law of Cause and Effect:"For every action there is equal and opposite reaction."

For the Love of God – John 1:6 - 2:2

IF… THEN!

J

If we claim to have fellowship with him

we lie and do not live by the truth. p

yet walk in the darkness,

we have fellowship with one another, and ,

But if we walk in the light as he is in the

the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from ll light, as he is in the

light, If we claim to be

all sin. we deceive ourselves

If we claim to be without sin,

and the truth is not in us.

For the Love of God – John 1:6 - 2:2

IF… THEN!

J

If we confess our sins

he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and

if f ll sins, If we claim we have

t i d

purify us from all unrighteousness.

k hi t t b not sinned, if anybody does sin,

we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives place in our lives. we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—the Father in our defenseJesus Christ, the Righteous One.

For the Love of God

The General Rules:DO NO HARM – AVOID EVILDO ALL THE GOOD YOU CANDO ALL THE GOOD YOU CANSTAY IN LOVE WITH GOD (Attend to the ordinances of God))

For the Love of God

Purpose statement: The organized unit of Purpose statement: The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as

h l h h J Ch i whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the p p gchurch.

For the Love of God

1 John 2:9-11 (Contemporary English Version)J ( p y g )9If we claim to be in the light and hate someone,

we are still in the dark 10But if we love others we are still in the dark. But if we love others, we are in the light, and we don't cause problems for them [a] 11If we hate others we problems for them. [ ] If we hate others, we are living and walking in the dark. We don't know where we are going because we can't know where we are going, because we can t see in the dark.

For the Love of God

CREATOR AND HEALER OF THE WORLD, ,HELP US TO SEE OUR PART IN YOUR WORK OF HEALING OUR WORLD AND ITS WOUNDED PEOPLE. SHOW US WHAT NEEDS TO BE TORN DOWN AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE BUILT UP, THAT ALL PEOPLE MAY LIVE IN PEACE AND SAFETY, ,ENJOYING FULLNESS OF LIFE. AMEN

Upper Room Worshipbook, 2006, Mary Lou Reddingpp p y g

For the Love of God

How do we share How do we share the light?What are our ‘next What are our next steps”?Wh G d Where is God leading us?What is God already doing?How can we join in this?

For the Love of God

We are reluctant Author of Love and We are reluctant , Author of Love and Light, to name and then set aside

h d our hurts, anger and disappointments which we have ppacted upon individually and corporately in the church Heal us corporately in the church. Heal us with your tender touch and shine your light upon us

For the Love of God

as we diligently seek the persons who live as we diligently seek the persons who live with a renewed commitment to seek your image in all persons Open our your image in all persons. Open our eyes to your reclaiming power in out li d i l d l lives, your redeeming love, and reveal to us through this study how your love is made known through continued unselfish sacrifice

For the Love of God

Prayers of Silent ConfessionyAssurance and Pardon

IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS GOD IS IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, GOD IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE US OURSINS AND TO CLEANSE US FROM ALL SINS AND TO CLEANSE US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. 1 John 1:9

An Offering

For the Love of God

We Are Called #2172 The Faith We SingCome! Live in the Light! Shine with joy and the love of the Lord!

WE ARE CALLED TO BE THE LIGHT FOR THE KINGDOM, TO LIVE IN THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF GOD!

Come! Open your heart! Show your mercy to all those who fear!

WE ARE CALLED TO BE HOPE FOR THE WE ARE CALLED TO BE HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS SO ALL HATRED AND BLINDNESS WILL BE NO MORE!BLINDNESS WILL BE NO MORE!

For the Love of God

Sing! Sing and new song! Sing of that great day g g g g f g ywhen all will be one!

GOD WILL REIGN AND WE’LL WALK WITH EACH OTHER AS SISTERS AND BROTHERS UNITED IN LOVE!

WE ARE CALLED TO ACT WITH JUSTICE, WE ARE CALLED TO LOVE TENDERLY, WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE ONE ANOTHER TO CALLED TO SERVE ONE ANOTHER, TO WALK HUMBLY WITH GOD!

For the LOVE of GodFor the LOVE of GodThe Epistles of Johnp J

UMW Spiritual Growth Study

C h G l G ál d J L G álCatherine Gunsalus González and Justo L. González

S i 1I

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

Session 1I

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

For the Love of God

My Journey with the UMWy J y

For the Love of God

My Journey with the UMWy J ySouthwest UMC – Miami, Fl

Small congregationg gMy “second home”WSCS & Summer Camp

UMW saw potential where I saw noneTook a risk, made an investment

Youth Group VBS ChoirYouth Group, VBS, Choir

For the Love of God

My Journey with the UMWy J ySouthwest UMC – Miami, Fl

Changing neighborhoodg g g1970’s Miami – “Little Havana”A ‘helpful’ DSA bad church growth model

For the Love of God

My Journey with the UMWy J ySouthwest UMC Closed and Sold

Hispanic Presbyteriansp yAnother changing neighborhoodAnother bad church growth model

For the Love of God

Calvary Chapel – Miamiy pMulti siteMulti serviceMulti serviceMulti cultural

For the Love of God

As we come to greet your presence in our lives, to study your Holy Word, and to praise your name, O God, remind us of all your continued acts of mercy you freely give to us and the presence of mercy you freely give to us and the presence of your Holy Spirit calling us to love with the boldness of your truth being revealed through us. boldness of your truth being revealed through us. May this time of study be a special time for each of us calling us to restore balance and harmony in

f the lives of your created people. We pray through the name of Jesus. Amen

For the Love of God

1 John 2:9-11 (Contemporary English Version)J ( p y g )9If we claim to be in the light and hate someone,

we are still in the dark 10But if we love others we are still in the dark. But if we love others, we are in the light, and we don't cause problems for them [a] 11If we hate others we problems for them. [ ] If we hate others, we are living and walking in the dark. We don't know where we are going because we can't know where we are going, because we can t see in the dark.

For the Love of God

HOW are WE enabling the Light to g gshine?WHERE is that Light shining?WHERE is that Light shining?WHERE does the light yet need to shine?HOW are YOU showing your love of the world?HOW is YOUR love of God being revealed?

For the Love of God

Postmodern ValuesRELATIONSHIPS not RULESPOSSIBILITIES not PROBABILITIESPOSSIBILITIES not PROBABILITIESAUTHENTICITY not ACCOLADESTRANSPARENCY not TRIUMPHSTRANSPARENCY not TRIUMPHS

For the Love of God1 John 2:3-17 (The Message) The Only Way to Know We're in Him2-3Here's how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: 2 3Here s how we can be sure that we know God in the right way:

Keep his commandments. 4-6If someone claims, "I know him well!" but doesn't keep his commandments, he's obviously a liar. His life doesn't match his words. But the one who keeps God's word is the

'person in whom we see God's mature love. This is the only way to be sure we're in God. Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived. 7-8My dear friends, I'm not writing anything new here. This is the oldest commandment I m not writing anything new here. This is the oldest commandment in the book, and you've known it from day one. It's always been implicit in the Message you've heard. On the other hand, perhaps it is new, freshly minted as it is in both Christ and you—the darkness on its way out and the True Light already blazing! 9-11Anyone who on its way out and the True Light already blazing! 9 11Anyone who claims to live in God's light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. It's the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God's light and doesn't block the light from others. But whoever g ghates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn't know which end is up, blinded by the darkness.

For the Love of God

Loving the World12-13I remind you, my dear children: Your sins are

forgiven in Jesus' name. You veterans were in on the ground floor and know the One who started the ground floor, and know the One who started all this; you newcomers have won a big victory over the Evil One. 13-14And a second reminder, d hild Y k th F th f l dear children: You know the Father from personal experience. You veterans know the One who started it all; and you newcomers—such vitality y yand strength! God's word is so steady in you. Your fellowship with God enables you to gain a victory over the Evil One victory over the Evil One.

For the Love of God

The “Mayonnaise Sign”y gWhy do we have them?Why do we need them?Why do we need them?

For the Love of God

The World of JohnJGnosticism

RulesSecretsFalse pietyConfusion over doctrine

For the Love of God

“This situation may be described by two i i b h f hi h ll O l propositions, both of which are equally true. Only

one who believes is obedient and only he who is obedient believes. …

For faith is only real when there is obedience, never without it, and faith only becomes faith in the act f b di of obedience.

If we are to believe, we must obey a concrete command. Without this preliminary step of command. Without this preliminary step of obedience, our faith will be only pious humbug.”

Dietrich Bonheoffer The Cost of DiscipleshipDietrich Bonheoffer The Cost of Discipleship

For the Love of God

Wesley used four different sources in coming to y gtheological conclusions. The four sources are:Scripture - the Holy Bible (Old and New Testaments)p y ( )Tradition - the two millennia history of the Christian ChurchChurchReason - rational thinking and sensible interpretationExperience a Christian's personal and communal Experience - a Christian s personal and communal journey in Christ

For the Love of God

What is the source of authentic What is the source of authentic Christian relationship?What is the source of authentic relationship with God?relationship with God?What are the barriers to this relationship?

For the Love of God

Where have systems helped birth Where have systems helped birth authentic relationship?Wh h d Where have systems restrained or caused failure in authentic relationship?Where have we, as modern Christians, helped or harmed the process of helped or harmed the process of authentic relationship?

For the Love of God

GOD IS LOVE.

WE SHOULD LOVE ONE ANOTHERWE SHOULD LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

LITTLE CHILDREN, LET US LOVE, NOT IN WORD OR SPEECH BUT IN TRUTH AND

ACTION.

For the Love of God

EVERYONE WHO LOVES KNOWS GOD AND IS BORN OF GOD.

NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN GOD, IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER GOD LIVES IN US AND HIS

LOVE IS PERFECTED IN USLOVE IS PERFECTED IN US.

GOD IS LOVE AND THOSE WHO ABIDE IN GOD IS LOVE AND THOSE WHO ABIDE IN LOVE ABIDE IN GOD AND GOD ABIDES IN

THEMTHEM.

For the Love of God

Who are the unserved/underserved of your ycommunity?What efforts has your congregation made to What efforts has your congregation made to reach out to them?What efforts has your unit made to reach out What efforts has your unit made to reach out to them?Wh ff h d h What efforts have you made to reach out to them?

For the Love of God

When in your own life has your faith been y ymade stronger through your obedience?When have you been more ready to act When have you been more ready to act because of your faith?What are the consequences to the unservedWhat are the consequences to the unservedand underserved populations of inaction?

For the Love of God

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For the Love of GodGenesis 41 Adam slept with Eve his wife She conceived and had Cain She said 1 Adam slept with Eve his wife. She conceived and had Cain. She said, "I've gotten a man, with GOD's help!" 2 Then she had another baby, Abel. Abel was a herdsman and Cain a farmer. 3-5 Time passed. Cain b ht ff i t GOD f th d f hi f Ab l l brought an offering to GOD from the produce of his farm. Abel also brought an offering, but from the firstborn animals of his herd, choice cuts of meat. GOD liked Abel and his offering, but Cain and his offering did ' hi l C i l hi d i lk 6 7didn't get his approval. Cain lost his temper and went into a sulk. 6-7

GOD spoke to Cain: "Why this tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won't you be accepted? And if you don't do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it's out to get you, you've got to master it." 8 Cain had words with his brother. They were out in the field; Cain came at Abel his brother and killed him

For the Love of God9 GOD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "How

should I know? Am I his babysitter?" 10-12 GOD said "What have should I know? Am I his babysitter? GOD said, What have you done! The voice of your brother's blood is calling to me from the ground. From now on you'll get nothing but curses from this ground; you'll be driven from this ground that has opened its arms t i th bl d f d d b th Y 'll f thi to receive the blood of your murdered brother. You'll farm this ground, but it will no longer give you its best. You'll be a homeless wanderer on Earth.“ 13-14 Cain said to GOD, "My punishment is too much. I can't take it! You've thrown me off the land and I can never again face you. I'm a homeless wanderer on Earth and whoever finds me will kill me.“ 15 GOD told him, "No. Anyone who kills Cain will pay for it seven times over." GOD put a mark on Cain to protect him so that no one who met him would kill him 16 Cain protect him so that no one who met him would kill him. Cain left the presence of GOD and lived in No-Man's-Land, east of Eden.

For the Love of God1 John 3:11This is the message you heard from the b i i W h ld l h 12D beginning: We should love one another. 12Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder yhim? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous. 13Do not be surprised, my brothers if the world hates you 14We know my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love

i i d h 15A h h hi b h remains in death. 15Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.

For the Love of God

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one anotherlove one another.

John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

For the Love of God

LOVE AND OBEDIENCEInaction IS an action.God’s call invites us outside our comfort zone.God s call invites us outside our comfort zone.Multiple disciplines are required to move beyond our comfort zone.We are called to reflect the light.

For the Love of God

Psalm 4 - Answer Me When I CallAnswer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be d h !gracious to me and hear my prayer!

O MEN, HOW LONG SHALL MY HONOR BE TURNED INTO SHAME? HONOR BE TURNED INTO SHAME? HOW LONG WILL YOU LOVE VAIN WORDS AND SEEK AFTER LIES? WORDS AND SEEK AFTER LIES?

But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.

For the Love of God

BE ANGRY, AND DO NOT SIN; PONDER IN YOUR OWN HEARTS ON YOUR IN YOUR OWN HEARTS ON YOUR BEDS, AND BE SILENT. OFFER RIGHT SACRIFICES, AND PUT YOUR TRUST IN ,THE LORD.

There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us O LORD!“ You Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD! You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

8IN PEACE I WILL BOTH LIE DOWN AND 8IN PEACE I WILL BOTH LIE DOWN AND SLEEP; FOR YOU ALONE, O LORD, MAKE ME DWELL IN SAFETY.

For the Love of God

For the Love of God

May God bless you with discomfort…y yAt easy answers, half truths and superficial

relationships so that we may live deep relationships so that we may live deep within our heart.

May God bless you with angerMay God bless you with anger…At injustice, oppression and exploitation

f l h k f of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom and peace.

For the Love of God

May God bless you with tears…y yTo shed for those who suffer from pain,

rejection, starvation and war so that we jmay reach out our hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

May God bless you with foolishness…To believe that we can make a difference

in this world so that we can do what others say cannot be done.

For the LOVE of GodFor the LOVE of GodThe Epistles of Johnp J

UMW Spiritual Growth Study

C h G l G ál d J L G álCatherine Gunsalus González and Justo L. González

S i III

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

Session III

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

For the Love of God

GOD IS LOVE.

WE SHOULD LOVE ONE ANOTHERWE SHOULD LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

LITTLE CHILDREN, LET US LOVE, NOT IN WORD OR SPEECH BUT IN TRUTH AND

ACTION.

For the Love of God

EVERYONE WHO LOVES KNOWS GOD AND IS BORN OF GOD.

NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN GOD, IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER GOD LIVES IN US AND HIS

LOVE IS PERFECTED IN USLOVE IS PERFECTED IN US.

GOD IS LOVE AND THOSE WHO ABIDE IN GOD IS LOVE AND THOSE WHO ABIDE IN LOVE ABIDE IN GOD AND GOD ABIDES IN

THEMTHEM.

For the Love of God

“LOVE”“LOVE”“BELOVED”“BELOVED”

For the Love of God

52 TIMES IN52 TIMES IN1 JOHN!!!1 JOHN!!!

For the Love of God

29 TIMES IN 29 TIMES IN 1 JOHN 4:7 21!!!1 JOHN 4:7-21!!!

For the Love of God

EROSPhysical intimacy, libido, sexual desire

PHILIAPHILIAFondness, sentiment, liking, attachment, friendship

AGAPEAGAPEChristian Love, used to describe the sacrificial i i f Ch i t A l ll t k th giving of Christ. Agape love allows one to seek the

well being of another without regard to reward or safetysafety.

For the Love of God

CREATOR, REDEEMER, SUSTAINER GOD, , , ,GRANT THAT WE MAY HAVE THE PEACE OF CHRIST IN OUR HEARTS, THE WISDOM ,OF CHRIST IN OUR WORK, AND THE LOVE OF CHRIST IN OUR LIVES, SO THAT ,WE MAY CONTINUE TO BE YOUR HUMBLE SERVANTS BRINGING HONOR TO YOUR HOLY NAME. AMEN

For the Love of God

UBUNTU: (from the Bantu Language)(f g g )

A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others does not feel threatened others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-

f assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is gdiminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or others are tortured or oppressed.

For the Love of God

One of the sayings in our country is Ub h f b Ubuntu - the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation It speaks a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality - Ubuntuw you av t s qua ty Ubu tu- you are known for your generosity. We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals,

d f h separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well it spreads out; it When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.

For the Love of God

AGAPE/UBUNTU are the heartbeat of the true Christian Community

THOUGHTTHOUGHTPRAYERDEEDDEEDSERVICE

For the Love of God

1 John 4:7-11 (New International Version)God's Love and Ours 7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love

comes from God Everyone who loves has been comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is

9love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son[a] into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[b] our sins. 11Dear friends since God so loved us we also 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

For the Love of God

The absence of Agape/Ubuntug p

For the Love of God

FEAR FEAR &&

DEATHDEATH

For the Love of God

1 John 4:16b-21God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in

him. 17In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment because in we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with

h Th h f d f punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

19We love because he first loved us 20If anyone says "I love We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love G d h h h 21A d h h i hi God, whom he has not seen. 21And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

For the Love of God

Who are the unserved/underserved of your ycommunity?What efforts has your congregation made to What efforts has your congregation made to reach out to them?What efforts has your unit made to reach out What efforts has your unit made to reach out to them?Wh ff h d h What efforts have you made to reach out to them?

For the Love of God

“I did not send you here to make those ypeople happy…”

For the Love of God

Who are the unserved/underserved of your ycommunity?What efforts has your congregation made to What efforts has your congregation made to reach out to them?What efforts has your unit made to reach out What efforts has your unit made to reach out to them?Wh ff h d h What efforts have you made to reach out to them?

For the Love of God

The Invitation…

For the Love of God

A Service of Healingg

For the Love of God

For the Love of God

James 5: 13-15Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel ? Si A i k? C ll h h h l d great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders

together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, g p y y ,and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven—healed inside and out 16-18Make this your common practice: out. Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole

d h l d Th f li i i h and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.

For the Love of God

The Prayer of St. FrancisyLORD, MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT OF THY

PEACE;PEACE;WHERE THERE IS HATRED, LET ME SOW LOVE;WHERE THERE IS INJURY PARDONWHERE THERE IS INJURY, PARDON;WHERE THERE IS DOUBT, FAITH;WHERE THERE IS DESPAIR, HOPE;WHERE THERE IS DARKENSS LIGHT;WHERE THERE IS DARKENSS, LIGHT;AND WHERE THERE IS SADNESS, JOY

For the Love of God

O DIVINE MASTER,,GRANT THAT I MAY NOT SO MUCH SEEKTO BE CONSOLED AS TO CONSOLE;TO BE CONSOLED AS TO CONSOLE;TO BE UNDERSTOOD AS TO UNDERSTAND;TO BE LOVED AS TO LOVE;FOR IT IS IN GIVING THAT WE RECEIVE,,IT IS IN PARDONING THAT WE ARE PARDONED,AND IT IS IN DYING THAT WE ARE BORN TO AND IT IS IN DYING THAT WE ARE BORN TO

ETERNAL LIFE.

For the LOVE of GodFor the LOVE of GodThe Epistles of Johnp J

UMW Spiritual Growth Study

C h G l G ál d J L G álCatherine Gunsalus González and Justo L. González

S i 1V

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

Session 1V

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

For the Love of God

The Home Stretch:1 John 52 John2 John3 John

For the Love of God

In today’s church, how do we keep within the truth as it was shared in 2 John and separate from theose who deceive others as to what the truth is?is?How does today’s Christian live with the cross at the center of life with conflict swirling all around?the center of life with conflict swirling all around?The early church endured splits and refused hospitality to those who were deceptive in their hospitality to those who were deceptive in their teaching. What do we do with those who are creating conflicts today?

For the Love of God

How does a limited understanding of love gaffect our actions? Our relationships? Our response to the poor? Our sensitivity about p p yjustice?How does my community of faith offer live to How does my community of faith offer live to the greater community, nation, and world?

For the Love of God

The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her JLord;

She is his new creation by water and the WordShe is his new creation by water and the Word.From heaven he came and sought her to be his

holy brideholy bride,With his own blood he bought her, and for her

lif h di dlife he died.Samuel J. Stone, 1866

For the Love of God

The Summaryy3 Sections

Theme of Love and ObedienceThe Identity of ChristThe Challenge of Faithfulness

An abrupt ending

For the Love of God

1 John 5 (English Standard Version)Overcoming the World1Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been

born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3For this is the love of God, obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

For the Love of God

Our IdentityyBelief in Christ = Children of GodLoving God = Love God’s ChildrenLoving God Love God s ChildrenLoving God = Obedience to GodGod’s Children Overcome the worldGod s Children Overcome the world

Why would these concepts be important?

For the Love of God

Testimony Concerning the Son of God6Thi i h h b d bl d J Ch i b 6This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by

the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7For there are three that testify: 8the Spirit and the water and the there are three that testify: 8the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. 9If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son 10Whoever of God that he has borne concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 11And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

For the Love of God

A new idea: Water and BloodDoctrinal correction?TrinityTrinityGnosticism and the Humanity of Jesus

Birth motifBirth motifJohn 19:24 – soldier’s spear

Possible form of liturgygy

For the Love of God

That You May Know13I write these things to you who believe in the name

of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life 14And this is the confidence that we have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us in

h t k k th t h th t whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 16If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he g gshall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.

For the Love of God

Mortal SinJohn Wesley:

“In essentials unity; in non essentials liberty; in all In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”

For the Love of God

18We know that everyone who has been born of yGod does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does

h h 19W k h f not touch him. 19We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one 20And we know that the Son of God has evil one. 20And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21Little children,keep , pyourselves from idols.

For the Love of God

Three parallel sentences:pReaffirmation of theology

“We know that…”

An abrupt ending…p g

For the Love of God2 John 1 (English Standard Version)Greeting 1The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only Greeting The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only

I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: 3Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.

Walking in Truth and Love 4I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in g j g y y gthe truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it 7For many deceivers have gone out into the world those who that you should walk in it. 7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the g , gFather and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching,do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11for whoever greets him(S) takes part in his wicked works.

Final Greetings 12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and g g y p pink.Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13The children of your elect sister greet you.

For the Love of God

All three epistles generally appear togetherp g y pp gThe ElderThe LadyThe LadyLetter formatReinforce themes from 1 John 1-4Reinforce themes from 1 John 1-4

For the Love of God3 John 1 (English Standard Version)Greeting 1The elder to the beloved Gaius,whom I love in truth 2Beloved, I pray that all may Greeting The elder to the beloved Gaius,whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may

go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Support and Opposition 5Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7For they have gone out for the sake of the name,accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8Therefore we ought to support people like these that we may be fellow workers for the truth 9I have written something to people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 9I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. 11Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. p , gWhoever does good is from God;whoever does evil has not seen God. 12Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.

Final Greetingsg13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14I hope to see

you soon, and we will talk face to face. 15Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends,every one of them.

For the Love of God

New PlayersyGaiusDiotrephesDiotrephesDemetrius

A more personal letter to Church leadershipA more personal letter to Church leadership

For the Love of God

How to stay in the truth?yHow do we face conflict?When to challenge conflict?When to challenge conflict?The importance of understanding love:

Relationships, the poor, justice

How do we offer love? Where do we begin?

For the Love of God

The Baptismal CovenantBrothers and sisters in Christ: Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated

into Christ's holy church We are incorporated into Christ s holy church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is g pGod's gift, offered to us without price.

Through the reaffirmation of our faith we renew the covenant declared at our baptism the covenant declared at our baptism, acknowledge what God is doing for us, and affirm our commitment to Christ's holy church.

For the Love of God

RENUNCIATION OF SIN &PROFESSION OF FAITH

On behalf of the whole church, I ask you: Do you y yrenounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of

? your sin? I DO. Do you accept the freedom and power God gives

you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in h f h h l ? whatever forms they present themselves?

I DO.

For the Love of God

Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your y J y , p ywhole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the church which y ,Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?

I DO. According to the grace given to you will you remain According to the grace given to you, will you remain

faithful members of Christ's holy church and serve as Christ's representatives in the world? serve as Christ s representatives in the world?

I WILL.

For the Love of God

Let us join together in professing the Christian j g p gfaith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.

Do you believe in God the Father? I BELIEVE IN GOD THE FATHER I BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER

ALMIGHTY, CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH AND EARTH.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ?

For the Love of God

I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST HIS ONLY SON OUR LORD WHO WAS SON, OUR LORD, WHO WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY, SUFFERED ,UNDER PONTIUS PILATE, WAS CRUCIFIED, DIED, AND WAS BURIED; HE DESCENDED TO THE DEAD ON THE DESCENDED TO THE DEAD. ON THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN; HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN, IS SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER, AND WILL COME AGAIN TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD.

For the Love of God

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit? y y pI BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE

HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH, THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY, AND THE LIFE EVERLASTING.THE LIFE EVERLASTING.

For the Love of God

Eternal Father, your mighty acts of salvation have been made known through water—from the moving of your Spirit upon the waters of creation to the deliverance of your people creation, to the deliverance of your people through the flood and through the Red Sea. In the fullness of time you sent Jesus, nurtured in the fullness of time you sent Jesus, nurtured in the water of a womb, baptized by John, and anointed by your Spirit. He called his disciples to share in

f the baptism of his death and resurrection and to make disciples of all nations.

For the Love of God

Pour out your Holy Spirit, and by this gift of y y p , y gwater call to our remembrance the grace declared to us in our baptism. For you have p ywashed away our sins, and you cloth us with righteousness throughout our lives, that dying g g , y gand rising with Christ we may share in his final victory.y

AMEN.

For the Love of God