Embracing Our New Vision: Love How He Loves
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to share something that's been on my heart for a while, and it's a bit unorthodox. I want to talk about the vision of our church, River Valley Christian Church, and how it has evolved over the years. Pastor Dan started this church in 1988 with the vision statement "Loving God and Loving People." When Pastor John took over in 2002, he modified it to "Building Relationships Through Discipleship." In 2017, Pastor John felt led by the Holy Spirit to plant churches in the River Valley area, and we've planted about nine churches so far.
Today, I want to focus on our "Jerusalem," our hometown, and share a renewed vision for our church. Our new vision statement is "Love How He Loves," based on John 13:34-35. Jesus said, "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." This vision is not just about loving God and people but loving them the way Jesus loves us. This is how we accomplish the Great Commission—by loving others as Jesus loves us.
If we walk out this vision, it will transform our lives, our church, and our community. It will help us hear God's voice better, equip us for ministry, and even empower us to deal with the most difficult situations in life. The love of God is what will draw people to the gospel, not our efforts to change them. Our mission statement further clarifies this: "Love How He Loves" emphasizes embodying the unconditional love and compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ. We aim to create a culture that mirrors His selfless love, transforming lives for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.
In conclusion, if we walk out this vision, it will change our families, friends, surroundings, and even our nation. The love of God is the most powerful force, and it is through this love that we will lead the lost back to the Father. Let's commit to this vision and see how God transforms our community and beyond.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Evolution of Our Church's Vision: Our church has had a rich history of evolving vision statements, from "Loving God and Loving People" to "Building Relationships Through Discipleship." Today, we focus on "Love How He Loves," emphasizing the need to love others as Jesus loves us. This vision is rooted in John 13:34-35 and aims to guide us in fulfilling the Great Commission. [41:25]
2. The Power of God's Love: The love of God is the most powerful force that can draw people to the gospel. It's not about our efforts to change people but about loving them unconditionally as Jesus does. This love will lead people to repentance and transformation, fulfilling the Great Commission. [52:13]
3. Hearing God's Voice Through Love: If you struggle to hear God's voice, ask Him how you can love others the way He loves them. This simple question can open up new ways to hear from God and guide you in your interactions with others. Love is the key to hearing and understanding God's will. [01:00:47]
4. Equipping for Ministry Through Love: Walking in God's love equips us for ministry better than focusing solely on spiritual gifts. The fruits of the Spirit, especially love, are the foundation from which all spiritual gifts flow. By abiding in love, we abide in God and become more effective in our ministry. [01:08:29]
5. Transforming Lives and Communities: Our vision to "Love How He Loves" has the power to transform not just individual lives but entire communities and even nations. By embodying the unconditional love and compassion of Jesus, we can create a culture that reflects His love and advances the Kingdom of God. [01:19:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:59] - Introduction and Announcements
[38:37] - RVCC Lumberjack Days Recap
[39:32] - Appreciation for Volunteers
[40:15] - History of River Valley Christian Church
[41:25] - Evolution of the Church's Vision
[42:31] - Planting Churches in the River Valley
[43:34] - The Biblical Basis for Our Vision
[45:19] - Focus on Our Hometown
[46:33] - Hours of Discussion on Vision
[48:37] - Defining Vision and Mission Statements
[50:11] - Our New Vision Statement: Love How He Loves
[52:13] - The Power of God's Love
[53:26] - The Good News of the Gospel
[56:13] - Knowing God Through Love
[57:52] - Loving Others as Knowing God
[01:00:47] - Hearing God's Voice Through Love
[01:07:34] - Equipping for Ministry Through Love
[01:19:54] - Transforming Lives and Communities
[01:32:11] - Conclusion and Mission Statement
[01:35:14] - Closing Prayer and Offering
[01:35:51] - Final Remarks and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 13:34-35: "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
2. Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
3. 1 John 4:7-8: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."
### Observation Questions
1. What is the new vision statement of River Valley Christian Church, and what scripture is it based on? [50:11]
2. How did the vision of the church evolve from its founding in 1988 to the present day? [41:25]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of loving others as Jesus loves us in fulfilling the Great Commission? [52:13]
4. What are the four areas Jesus mentioned in Acts 1:8, and how do they relate to the church's mission? [43:34]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the pastor believe that loving others as Jesus loves us is the key to accomplishing the Great Commission? [52:13]
2. How does the concept of "Love How He Loves" equip believers for ministry better than focusing solely on spiritual gifts? [01:08:29]
3. In what ways can asking God how to love others help believers hear His voice more clearly? [01:00:47]
4. How does embodying the unconditional love and compassion of Jesus have the power to transform communities and even nations? [01:19:54]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to hear God's voice. How might asking God how to love others in that situation have changed your experience? [01:00:47]
2. Think of someone in your life who is difficult to love. What practical steps can you take this week to love them as Jesus loves you? [01:01:55]
3. How can you incorporate the vision of "Love How He Loves" into your daily interactions with family, friends, and coworkers? [52:13]
4. What are some specific ways you can demonstrate the unconditional love and compassion of Jesus in your community? [01:19:54]
5. How can focusing on the fruits of the Spirit, especially love, enhance your effectiveness in ministry? [01:08:29]
6. Identify a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you apply the principle of loving others as Jesus loves you to navigate this situation? [01:06:44]
7. How can the vision of "Love How He Loves" help you deal with political or social tensions in a Christ-like manner? [01:24:25]
Devotional
Day 1: The Evolution of Our Church's Vision
Our church has a rich history of evolving vision statements, reflecting our growth and changing focus over the years. Initially, the vision was "Loving God and Loving People," which emphasized the foundational Christian principles of love and community. This vision evolved to "Building Relationships Through Discipleship," highlighting the importance of nurturing and growing in faith together. Today, our vision is "Love How He Loves," based on John 13:34-35, which calls us to love others as Jesus loves us. This vision is not just about loving God and people but loving them in the same selfless, unconditional way that Jesus does. This approach aims to guide us in fulfilling the Great Commission by embodying Christ's love in our daily lives. [41:25]
John 13:34-35 (ESV): "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Reflection: How can you embody the vision of "Love How He Loves" in your interactions today? Think of one specific way you can show Christ-like love to someone in your community.
Day 2: The Power of God's Love
The love of God is the most powerful force that can draw people to the gospel. It's not about our efforts to change people but about loving them unconditionally as Jesus does. This love will lead people to repentance and transformation, fulfilling the Great Commission. When we love others as Jesus loves us, we become conduits of God's grace and mercy, allowing His love to work through us to touch the hearts of those around us. This approach shifts the focus from our actions to God's transformative power, emphasizing that it is His love that brings about true change in people's lives. [52:13]
1 John 4:19-21 (ESV): "We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is difficult to love. How can you show them unconditional love today, reflecting the way Jesus loves you?
Day 3: Hearing God's Voice Through Love
If you struggle to hear God's voice, ask Him how you can love others the way He loves them. This simple question can open up new ways to hear from God and guide you in your interactions with others. Love is the key to hearing and understanding God's will. When we focus on loving others as Jesus loves us, we align ourselves with God's heart and purpose, making it easier to discern His voice and direction in our lives. This practice not only deepens our relationship with God but also enhances our ability to minister to others effectively. [01:00:47]
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (ESV): "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing."
Reflection: Ask God to show you one way you can love someone today that you might not have considered before. How does this act of love help you hear God's voice more clearly?
Day 4: Equipping for Ministry Through Love
Walking in God's love equips us for ministry better than focusing solely on spiritual gifts. The fruits of the Spirit, especially love, are the foundation from which all spiritual gifts flow. By abiding in love, we abide in God and become more effective in our ministry. This approach emphasizes that love is the greatest gift and the most essential aspect of our Christian walk. When we prioritize love, we create a strong foundation for all other spiritual gifts to operate effectively, ensuring that our ministry is rooted in God's character and purpose. [01:08:29]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Reflect on your current ministry or service. How can you ensure that love is the foundation of your actions and interactions? What changes might you need to make to prioritize love in your ministry?
Day 5: Transforming Lives and Communities
Our vision to "Love How He Loves" has the power to transform not just individual lives but entire communities and even nations. By embodying the unconditional love and compassion of Jesus, we can create a culture that reflects His love and advances the Kingdom of God. This vision calls us to be agents of change, using God's love as the driving force to impact those around us. When we live out this vision, we become a testament to the transformative power of God's love, inspiring others to seek and experience the same love in their own lives. [01:19:54]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you be a light in your community today, reflecting the love and compassion of Jesus? Think of one specific action you can take to make a positive impact on those around you.
Quotes
1. "This church's vision statement. Okay? So Pastor Dan started this church. And again, if I remember or heard it correctly, the vision statement that Pastor had when he started this church was loving God and loving people. Amen. Which is an awesome, awesome vision statement. Now, for those of you who have been around. And Pastor John took over. He modified or changed the vision statement a little bit. And would anybody even know, besides the staff, what it is or was? So I hear things like train up the saints for the work of the ministry. But actually, the vision statement was building relationships through discipleship." [41:25] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus highlighted three or arguably four different areas. One was Jerusalem, one was Judea, then Samaria, and all the ends of the earth. And for you guys who are familiar with your Bible, I mean, Jerusalem was their hometown. That was their hometown. Judea was the surrounding region. And Samaria was actually the place that they hated. If you recall the story. I think it was John and James, the sons of Zebedee going through, they were heading towards Jerusalem and there was Samaria and they didn't accept Jesus and they said, Jesus, you want us to call down fire to destroy them all and Jesus said, rebuke them and said, you don't know what kind of spirit you have in you, but that just shows, I think it just gives a little insight of how they really felt about Sumerians in the region." [43:34] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So essentially Jesus is saying, go preach the gospel in your Jerusalem, in your hometown, in your Judea, in the surrounding areas, and then in the places where you don't want to go. And if you're familiar with this church and, and all of the done in the past, they actually, the reason why I'm standing here today, they have, I guess you can say it's some areas there's this church of Samaria is basically Eastern Europe. I mean, actually that's a Samaria for a lot of people, but it's the, the, the ministry that this church has done in Eastern Europe, where, uh, to the older gypsies and, uh, the people where nobody really wants to go there. It's just not a fun place to be. Um, that's, you could say this church has a vision for Eastern Europe." [45:19] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we, if we walk out this vision statement as a, as a body, uh, you know, we carry, that's how we accomplish the great commission, right? Like you ask what people very churchy thing, like, what's the great commission? What are we supposed to do? Why are we here? Well, we're supposed to go preach the gospel. We're supposed to make disciples. We're supposed to baptize people. I don't, those are the things that are thrown out there. And those are true. But the question is how, see, I think a lot of churches actually get it wrong on the, how was Jesus gave us the, how it's, it's right up there. If you love how he loves, that's how people will be drawn to the gospel message." [53:26] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Did you know that the, the word gospel means good news? Most of you, I'm assuming know that, but if you do a word study on that word, you know, it actually means like only. Almost too good to be true news. Like, I don't understand like why there's so many Christians who walk around and it's like, they don't have good news on the inside. It's like, they're trying to invite you to a religion maybe and say like, well, you gotta repent, you gotta do this and this and, and come to church. But, but, but, but the, in the manner they delivering the message, it's like, it has no good news in it." [55:17] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I challenge you. I challenge you in any situation that comes across in life. If you ask, we can throw the vision statement back behind me. If you, if you, let's just take a scenario. If somebody, the worst thing that can happen to you in life. Which is somebody attacks you on Facebook for your political views. So let's say a scenario like that. And, and it's, it's when you're, when you're emotionally worked up, it's really hard to hear God's voice. But if you ask yourself that question, Lord, how can I love this person the way you love them? I guarantee you there will be an answer. It just may not be the one that you like or the one that you want to do, but I guarantee you that this. We'll. We'll help you hear God's voice." [01:00:47] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I don't know, but the Lord knows. And I guarantee you, if you ask him not, Lord, I just want you to give me a prophetic word or this, just ask him, Lord, how do I love this person the way you love them? There's going to be an answer there. There's going to be an answer there. Again, you may not like it, but there's going to be an answer there. Amen. Amen. Okay. So if here's the thing, if we walk out this vision statement, this is what I believe will happen. Did you know that it will actually? It will actually equip us for the ministry better. I can prove that to you scripturally as well." [01:06:44] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Here's the thing. Here's what I learned. A lot of Christians, including myself, we focus so much on the gifts. We focus, we put so much emphasis on the gifts of the Spirit specifically. But did you know that Jesus said by the fruits, you will know, right? The bad, the false prophets, the wolves. It says by the fruits, you will know. So that even just that alone tells me I should put the emphasis more on the fruit than on the gift. On the fruit of the Spirit versus the gifts of the Spirit. Because here's the thing. All of the gifts of the Spirit actually flow out of love. Paul said that. I didn't say that." [01:10:11] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I mean, Pastor John was preaching it weeks and weeks in a row. That says, if I do all these things, it's nothing if I don't have love. So you want to walk better in the gifts of the Spirit. I do. Then let's focus on the fruit, on the love. And I believe all of those gifts will flow out of God's love. Because I know that's where those gifts flow out from. Right? Like the prayer that I used to have is like, Lord, if I can just get more gifts, right? I would be so much better at ministry. If I can just walk in the gifts more powerfully, the congregation would be blessed. But that's the wrong prayer. I believe it's the wrong prayer. I should say, Lord, if I can walk more in the fruit, if I can bear more fruit of the Spirit, which number one is love, that's when I believe the ministry will be blessed even more." [01:11:01] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If we walk this vision statement out as a body, I, I believe that it will empower you to deal with the most difficult situation, even the most difficult situations in life. How many of you have ever heard of this book? Tortured for Christ by Richard Warmbrand. Few of you. I strongly recommend reading it. This is, this is a Romanian pastor. And it was, he lived during the communist regime era in, in Romania, where the communists took over. And when they took over the KGB, whole nine yards. But they, they, the communists realized that Christianity is a threat. Actually, some of them said it's the number one threat against communism. So they did by any means to, they, they knew they couldn't allow it. They wanted to eliminate Christianity out of the culture." [01:15:57] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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