Christian Love

Using Romans 13:8-14, today’s second reading, Pastor James emphasizes that Christian love lies at the heart of genuine faith and fulfills God’s law. Stories of unexpected compassion toward people in need, especially those experiencing homelessness, remind us that Christ is met among “the least of these.”

Paul’s command to “owe no one anything, except to love one another” clearly establishes that love does not cancel God’s law but reveals its purpose. The commandments against adultery, murder, stealing, and coveting are fulfilled as believers seek their neighbors’ good. Drawing on Luther’s Small Catechism, the sermon teaches that love both avoids harm and actively protects, supports, and serves others.

In closing the message contrasts self-centered “Need-love” with self-giving “Gift-love,” revealed most fully in Christ’s death on the cross. Such love reflects God’s grace and transforms lives. Echoing Paul’s urgency, Pastor James calls on believers to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” now by loving ordinary neighbors in ordinary moments as a living witness to God’s love.

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May you be blessed as you worship at home today and in the coming days.

SEPTEMBER 6 WORSHIP MATERIALS

A link to this, and other, recorded services can be found in our Recorded Worship Services. The recording of the 9:30 a.m. service will be available on Sunday afternoon.

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

A web version is available here.* Be sure to check out current Community Service news on the last page. There is a lot of information about ways you can help others right now. And take a look at the Serve page for more opportunities.

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