Evidence That Demands A Verdict / The Real Church

Devotional

Day 1: The Mark of Discipleship: Love One Another

Jesus teaches that the defining characteristic of His followers is not their doctrine, actions, or experiences, but their love for one another. In the intimate setting of the Last Supper, He gives a single, new commandment: to love each other as He has loved us. This love is not based on shared backgrounds or perfect agreement, but on a self-giving, sacrificial care that mirrors Christ’s own. The world will recognize true disciples of Jesus not by their words or outward signs, but by the genuine, visible love they show to each other, especially across differences. [10:53]

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: Who is one person in your life—perhaps someone you find difficult or different—whom you can intentionally show Christlike love to today, in a practical way?

Day 2: Character Over Credentials

It is not our beliefs, religious experiences, or outward actions that ultimately prove we are Christians, but the character that is revealed in everyday opportunities to serve and love others. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25 makes clear that God looks beyond our certificates, rituals, or doctrinal correctness and instead examines how we respond to the needs of those around us. The true evidence of faith is found in humble acts of service, compassion, and kindness—especially when no one is watching or applauding. [29:28]

Matthew 25:34-40 (ESV)
"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’"

Reflection: What is one ordinary act of kindness or service you can do today for someone in need, without expecting recognition or reward?

Day 3: Beyond Right Belief: The Limits of Doctrine

While having sound doctrine and beliefs is important, knowing all the right answers or being able to argue theological points does not make someone a true follower of Jesus. Paul’s experience in Athens shows that intellectual debates and correct facts may impress some, but they rarely transform lives. The Christian life is not a test of knowledge, but a call to live out the love and grace of Christ in real relationships and community. [23:15]

Acts 17:22-31 (ESV)
"So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, "To the unknown god." What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for "In him we live and move and have our being"; as even some of your own poets have said, "For we are indeed his offspring." Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.'"

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on having the “right answers” to define your faith, and how might you shift your focus toward living out Christ’s love in your daily interactions?

Day 4: The “One Anothers” of Christian Community

The New Testament repeatedly calls believers to live out their faith through practical expressions of love: honoring, accepting, encouraging, serving, forgiving, and bearing with one another. These “one another” commands are the blueprint for authentic Christian community, showing that love is not just a feeling but a series of intentional actions and attitudes. When we practice these, we reflect the heart of Christ and build a community where God’s presence is made visible to the world. [34:53]

Romans 12:10, 16; 13:8; 14:13; 15:7 (ESV)
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor... Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight... Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law... Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother... Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."

Reflection: Which “one another” command do you find most challenging, and what is one step you can take today to practice it with someone in your life?

Day 5: Living Out Love in a Watching World

The ultimate evidence of faith is not found in outward symbols, religious language, or even being right, but in a transformed character that displays Christlike love—even when misunderstood or accused. When believers live out love authentically among those who do not share their faith, their lives become a testimony that points others to God. The call is to be loving people, not just to do loving things, so that even skeptics may see and glorify God because of who we are. [35:47]

1 Peter 2:12 (ESV)
"Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Reflection: How can you intentionally demonstrate Christlike love in a public or secular setting this week, so that others might see God’s character through your actions?

Sermon Summary

Who are you? This is the question that sits at the heart of following Jesus. It’s not just about what you believe, what you do, or the experiences you’ve had—though all of these have their place. The true mark of a Christian is found in character, in who you are when everyone is watching and when no one is. Jesus, at the Last Supper, didn’t give his disciples a list of doctrines or rituals to perform. Instead, he gave them a single, profound command: “Love one another.” This love is not sentimental or romantic, but a deep, sacrificial, and practical love that reflects the very heart of God.

Throughout history, Christians have often been tempted to reduce faith to right beliefs or impressive experiences. We can become experts in doctrine, able to argue every point and recite every verse, but that alone does not reveal Christ to the world. Even Paul, with all his knowledge and debating skills, saw that most people were not changed by arguments alone. The world is not looking for people who can win debates or display religious credentials. The world is looking for people whose lives have been transformed—people who love in a way that is unmistakable and undeniable.

Jesus’ command to love one another is the evidence that demands a verdict. It is the one thing that cannot be faked or manufactured. It is the one thing that reveals the reality of God to a watching world. The New Testament is filled with “one another” commands: honor one another, serve one another, forgive one another, bear with one another. These are not just suggestions, but the very fabric of Christian community. When we love in this way, we show who we truly are, and more importantly, we show who God truly is.

In the end, it is not our doctrine, our actions, or our experiences that will matter most. It is our character—shaped by the love of Christ and expressed in love for others. This is how the world will know we are his disciples. This is the challenge and the invitation: to love one another, not because of who others are, but because of who we are in Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. The essence of Christian identity is not found in doctrine, actions, or experiences, but in character. Who we are—especially when no one is watching—reveals the reality of our faith. Our beliefs and actions matter, but they are not the ultimate evidence of following Jesus. [01:36]
2. Jesus’ single command to “love one another” is both simple and profound. It is not a sentimental feeling, but a call to sacrificial, practical love that mirrors the love Christ has shown us. This love is the distinguishing mark of true discipleship. [09:04]
3. Right beliefs and religious experiences, while valuable, are not what ultimately prove our faith to the world. Even the most compelling arguments or impressive spiritual experiences cannot substitute for a life transformed by love. The world is watching for authentic love, not just correct answers. [22:36]
4. The “one another” commands throughout the New Testament flesh out what it means to love as Jesus loved. Honoring, serving, forgiving, and bearing with one another are the practical outworkings of Christlike love. These actions are the true evidence of a changed heart and a transformed community. [32:03]
5. Loving others is not about their worthiness, but about our identity in Christ. We are called to love even those we disagree with or dislike, not because of who they are, but because of who we are becoming in Jesus. This kind of love is the evidence that demands a verdict from the watching world. [39:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:59] - Four Aspects of Christian Identity
[03:13] - The Reality of the Last Supper
[06:03] - Judas, Betrayal, and the Human Heart
[07:40] - Glorifying God: What It Really Means
[09:04] - Jesus’ New Command: Love One Another
[11:35] - A Personal Journey of Faith
[13:43] - The Era of Right Belief and Apologetics
[16:38] - Paul in Athens: Arguments and Their Limits
[22:36] - What Really Proves You’re a Christian?
[24:27] - Experiences and Credentials: Not Enough
[27:35] - The Final Judgment: Character Revealed
[30:15] - The “One Another” Commands
[34:53] - The Evidence of Love
[35:47] - Living Among the World: The True Test
[37:38] - Prayer and Challenge to Love

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 13:31-35 (ESV) — > When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 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.”

Matthew 25:31-40 (ESV) — > “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”

Romans 12:9-13 (ESV) — > Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Observation Questions

In John 13, what does Jesus say will be the distinguishing mark of his disciples? ([09:04])
According to Matthew 25, what kinds of actions does Jesus highlight as evidence of a transformed character? ([27:35])
In Romans 12, what are some specific ways Paul describes how believers should treat “one another”?
The sermon mentions that Jesus gave only one new command at the Last Supper. What was it, and how did he describe the way it should be lived out? ([09:04])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus focus on love as the primary evidence of being his disciple, rather than right beliefs or religious experiences? ([09:04])
The sermon says that “the world is not looking for people who can win debates or display religious credentials.” What does this suggest about how Christians should approach sharing their faith? ([22:36])
In Matthew 25, the “sheep” are surprised by Jesus’ words. What does this reveal about the nature of true Christian character and service? ([28:23])
The sermon lists many “one another” commands from the New Testament. Why do you think these practical actions are emphasized so much in Christian community? ([32:03])

Application Questions

The sermon says, “Who you are when everyone is watching and when no one is” reveals your true character. Think about your own life: are there areas where your private character doesn’t match your public actions? What is one step you could take to close that gap this week? ([01:36])
Jesus’ command to “love one another” is described as sacrificial and practical, not just a feeling. Who is one person in your life right now that you find difficult to love? What is one practical way you could show Christlike love to them this week? ([09:04])
The sermon warns against reducing faith to “right beliefs or impressive experiences.” Are there ways you have relied on your knowledge or experiences to “prove” your faith, rather than letting your love be the evidence? How could you shift your focus? ([22:36])
The “one another” commands include honoring, serving, forgiving, and bearing with each other. Which of these is most challenging for you? Why? What would it look like to grow in that area? ([32:03])
The sermon says, “Loving others is not about their worthiness, but about our identity in Christ.” Is there someone you have withheld love from because you felt they didn’t deserve it? How does seeing love as part of your identity in Christ change your perspective? ([39:11])
The world is “watching for authentic love, not just correct answers.” Can you think of a time when you saw or experienced this kind of love from another Christian? How did it impact you or others? ([22:36])
The sermon challenges us to love even those we disagree with or dislike. What is one situation this week where you might have the opportunity to do this? How can you prepare your heart and mind to respond with Christlike love? ([39:11])

Sermon Clips

We're called to be witnesses. And being a witness is much less what you say about Jesus and the evidence you give by who you are. [00:00:42] (17 seconds) #WitnessByAction

A new command I give you, love one another. Period. Love one another. That's it. That's the new command. Love one another. [00:09:05] (20 seconds) #LoveOneAnother

When you get to the gates of heaven to get in, St. Peter is not sitting there with a test on doctrine to find out what did you believe, so that you can check off, I believed all the right stuff and I didn't believe all the wrong stuff. The belief system, there's nothing wrong with having a set of beliefs and doctrine. There's nothing wrong with that. But that's not at the essence of what it means to be a Christian. [00:23:16] (31 seconds) #FaithBeyondBelief

When Jesus described the final judgment in Matthew 25, he said he's going to separate all the nations, the sheep from the goats. To the sheep, he's going to say, you saw opportunities of people that needed someone to wash their feet, serve them, feed them, clothe them. Ordinary stuff, ordinary. And they will say, when you did it, you did it to me. And they will say, what are you talking about? We never, saw you materialize in our world. We just did what was right because it was right. He said, when you did it for the least one, you did it for me. [00:27:50] (54 seconds) #ServeTheLeast

Because when you didn't do it to the least, you didn't do it to me. And they said, hold on there, Jesus. Hold on. Let me show you the doctrine of my church. I believe all the right things. Let me show you my baptismal certificate and that I went to communion every time it was offered. Because I've got the credentials to prove that I get in. And he goes, when your character was revealed by the opportunities of doing common stuff, that showed who you really are. And he said, when you did it for the least, you showed who you really are to me. That was the dividing line. [00:29:11] (39 seconds) #CharacterOverCredentials

So one of the things that we as Christians get stuck on is we often circulate being a Christian around what do you believe? And we have a good answer for that. We know how to argue that. Or what do you do? And we can explain to our behavior and actions what we do and what we don't do to prove that we're Christians. But the third question is the important one. Who are we? Who are we? Who are we? Who are we? Who are we? Who are we? Who are you? When everyone's watching and when no one's watching, who are you? Jesus said, here's how the world will know you are my follower. You're really following me. Love one another. [00:31:07] (56 seconds) #WhoAreYouReally

You don't slander them. You don't mock them. You don't insult them. You have a different opinion, a different viewpoint, a different tradition. Got it. No problem. But it's how you love others that makes all the difference in the world. [00:34:53] (17 seconds) #LoveWithRespect

Live your life out in the world so that even if they accuse you of wrongdoing, who you are will cause them to glorify God. That ultimately is the evidence that demands a verdict. Not that you can beat them in a debate, or you can flip out the right answer, or you have the right clothing. It's because of who you are. [00:36:26] (39 seconds) #LiveToGlorify

Every single one of us will have an opportunity from this moment forward throughout this day, this week, this month, this year, to love others. To love someone we don't like, someone we don't agree with, someone we do. Someone in our family, someone outside of our family. Someone who we respect and admire and someone who we despise. People who hate us and people who love us. We'll have so many opportunities to love one another. We can excuse ourselves by saying, you don't know what kind of person that is. Why in the world should I love that person? And it's not because of who they are that we love. It's because of who we are. [00:38:31] (56 seconds) #LoveWithoutLimits

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