In this insightful and deeply moving sermon, "The Beauty of Love," Pastor Jeffrey Johnson guides us through one of the most cherished passages in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. As we open our Bibles to this powerful chapter, Pastor Johnson encourages us to rethink what we believe about love. Is it merely an emotion, as Hollywood often portrays, or is it something much deeper—an action, a command, and a reflection of God's character?

Pastor Johnson contrasts the world's view of love, often mistaken for mere lust or selfish desire, with the Biblical portrayal of love as patient, kind, selfless, and enduring. He challenges us to see that true love is not something that we naturally possess or something that is simply drawn out of us by external factors. Instead, it is a supernatural gift from God, poured into our hearts, enabling us to love others as Christ loves us.

This sermon explores the various facets of love as described by the Apostle Paul, focusing on how love is not envious, boastful, or arrogant but is humble, forgiving, and always seeking the good of others. Pastor Johnson emphasizes that love is not just a warm feeling or a response to something desirable but is an intentional act of the will that endures even in the face of hardship, misunderstanding, and abuse.

Through vivid examples and practical applications, Pastor Johnson helps us understand that the love described in 1 Corinthians 13 is the very nature of God. As we strive to live out this love in our daily lives, we are called to look to Christ, who embodies perfect love. By abiding in Him, we can reflect His love in our relationships with others, transforming not just our own lives but the lives of those around us.

Join us for this profound message that will challenge and inspire you to love more deeply and selflessly, in a way that mirrors the love of Christ. Let this teaching guide you toward a fuller understanding of what it means to live a life characterized by true, Biblical love.

In Jeffrey Johnson's sermon, "The Man Who Was Unworthy To Be Saved," he explores the remarkable story of the Roman centurion present at Jesus' crucifixion. This centurion, whom Johnson refers to as "Rufus," represents the epitome of unworthiness—a hardened soldier responsible for Christ's brutal execution. Johnson paints a vivid picture of Rufus as a ruthless man, a high-ranking Roman officer who oversaw and participated in the mocking, beating, and crucifixion of Jesus.

Through the juxtaposition of Rufus' cruelty and Jesus' tender compassion, Johnson emphasizes the astounding grace of Christ, who, even in His suffering, forgave those who tortured Him. He underscores the profound nature of this forgiveness, highlighting that Christ's first act in paradise was to save this very man, Rufus, who had been complicit in His death.

Johnson draws a powerful connection between Rufus and all who come to Christ, arguing that none of us are worthy of salvation. Yet, through Christ's perfect love and mercy, even the most undeserving can be forgiven. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own need for grace and to marvel at the extraordinary compassion of Jesus, who forgave His executioner and continues to offer salvation to all who believe.

The sermon titled "The Faithfulness of God" by Tommy Walls is a profound exploration of one of God's most foundational attributes—His unwavering faithfulness. Throughout the message, Wells emphasizes that God's faithfulness is integral to His nature and interwoven with all His other attributes, such as His wisdom, love, and justice. Walls begins by defining faithfulness as steadfastness, loyalty, and trustworthiness, traits that are perfectly embodied in God.

Walls challenges common misconceptions about God’s faithfulness, pointing out that God is not obligated to fulfill our personal desires but remains steadfast in fulfilling His own decrees and will. This distinction is crucial in understanding that God's faithfulness is aligned with His eternal purposes, not our immediate expectations.

Scripture is central to Walls' message, with passages like Lamentations 3:22-23 and Deuteronomy 7:9 underscoring God's enduring commitment to His word, creation, and covenants. He notes that the very fact we are alive and sustained each day is evidence of God’s ongoing faithfulness.

Walls also reflects on God’s faithfulness in the personal lives of believers, particularly in calling them to fellowship with Christ, guiding them through sanctification, and providing strength during temptations. Even when we falter, God's faithfulness remains unshaken, offering forgiveness and cleansing.

The sermon further explores the comforting truth that God’s faithfulness extends to our afflictions, using them as tools for our sanctification. Walls reminds the congregation that every trial and difficulty is allowed by God in His faithfulness to mold us more into the image of Christ.

As Walls concludes, he calls the congregation to respond to God's faithfulness with praise and a commitment to be faithful in return. The sermon serves as both a reassurance of God's unchanging nature and a call to emulate His faithfulness in our own lives, making it known to future generations.

In the sermon "Earnestly Desire Love" from 1 Corinthians 12:28-13:3, Jeffrey Johnson begins by drawing on a personal story from his youth, where he passionately pursued greatness in basketball. He wanted to be the best, not just on his team but on the opposing team as well. This desire to excel motivated him, much like the way many Christians desire to be great in their faith, whether as preachers, theologians, or in acts of service.

Johnson connects this youthful drive for greatness to the way many believers approach their spiritual lives, often aspiring to be prominent figures like Charles Spurgeon, John Calvin, George Müller, or Adoniram Judson. These historical figures are revered for their preaching, theological insight, faith, and sacrificial service. However, Johnson points out that while it's natural to desire greatness in our Christian walk, the Apostle Paul redirects us to a more excellent way—love.

The Corinthian church, much like many today, was caught up in the pursuit of the more visible and seemingly important spiritual gifts, such as prophecy and tongues. They, like the disciples of Jesus, often debated about who among them was the greatest. But Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13, provides a profound correction to this mindset. He teaches that without love, even the most impressive gifts and achievements amount to nothing. Johnson elaborates on this, emphasizing that love is not self-seeking or concerned with personal glory. Instead, true greatness in the eyes of God is found in the humility and selflessness of love.

Johnson walks through the text, explaining that the various spiritual gifts, while valuable, are not the ultimate markers of a great Christian life. He notes that you can have the eloquence of the greatest orators, the theological understanding of the most esteemed scholars, the faith to perform miracles, or even the sacrificial spirit of the most devoted missionaries, but without love, these count for nothing in God’s kingdom.

He stresses that love is the one thing all Christians can aspire to, regardless of their gifts or calling. It’s the glue that holds the Christian life together, transforming our gifts into something that glorifies God and serves others. Johnson explains that love is patient, kind, humble, and selfless. It doesn’t seek its own advantage but is always oriented toward the good of others.

Furthermore, Johnson encourages his listeners to earnestly desire love with the same zeal they might pursue other gifts or achievements. He acknowledges that this kind of love is challenging and countercultural, especially in a world that often equates greatness with power, recognition, and personal success. Yet, he argues, this is precisely the kind of love that reflects the heart of Jesus, who exemplified the greatest love by laying down His life for humanity.

In the final part of his sermon, Johnson offers practical advice on how to grow in love. He suggests that the key to developing this kind of love is to continually meditate on the love of Christ, who loved us unconditionally and sacrificially. By focusing on Christ’s love, we are empowered to love others in the same way, even when it is difficult or when we receive nothing in return. This Christ-like love is the true path to greatness, as it aligns our hearts with God’s and allows us to serve others selflessly.

Johnson closes the sermon with a prayer, asking God to fill His people with more love so that they might reflect Christ’s love to the world. He reminds his listeners that true greatness in the Christian life is not about the gifts we possess or the recognition we receive, but about how well we love God and others.

In this sermon titled "The Beauty Of The Body," Pastor Jeffrey Johnson delves into the critical role that the church plays in the life of every Christian. He addresses a common misconception in modern Christianity—that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is sufficient, making the church optional or merely supplemental. Johnson argues that this view is incomplete and misaligned with biblical teaching, emphasizing that true Christianity cannot be fully understood or lived out apart from active involvement in the local church.

Drawing from Scripture, Johnson unpacks five foundational truths about the church as the body of Christ. He explains that each believer is a vital and irreplaceable part of this body, with unique gifts and roles that contribute to the overall health and growth of the church. Just as the physical body cannot function properly without its various parts, so too can the church not thrive without the active participation of all its members. Johnson challenges listeners to move beyond mere attendance, urging them to embrace their roles as active, contributing members who seek to serve and build up the body of Christ.

He also highlights the interdependence of church members, pointing out that spiritual growth and well-being are deeply interconnected. When one member suffers, the entire body is affected, and when one member thrives, the whole church is strengthened. Johnson calls for a renewed commitment to church involvement, encouraging believers to see their spiritual gifts as essential to the functioning of the church and to view their service as an expression of their love for Jesus.

Throughout the sermon, Johnson weaves in practical applications, urging Christians to approach church life with a mindset of service rather than consumption. He stresses the importance of abiding in Christ, as only through a deep and personal relationship with Him can believers find the strength and grace needed to serve others without burning out. Ultimately, Johnson reminds us that our love for Christ is demonstrated in our love and care for His body—the church—and that this interconnectedness is both beautiful and essential for a thriving Christian life. This sermon is a powerful call to rediscover the beauty and necessity of the church in our spiritual journey.

Jeffrey Johnson's sermon, "The Unity and Diversity of the Body," deeply explores the concept of unity within the church, emphasizing that it is not synonymous with uniformity. According to Johnson, unity is one of the core attributes of a true church, a significant principle in God's mind, and is critical to the health and function of the church community. He contrasts this with the divisive nature of contemporary society, where political and social discord is rampant, and points out that churches can fall into similar traps of division.

Johnson highlights the misconception that unity means everyone must have the same gifts, abilities, and appearances, creating an environment where members are expected to be clones of one another. He argues that this false notion of unity mirrors a misguided push for equality that seeks to make everyone identical, a concept he links to Marxism. This idea, he suggests, is flawed because it ignores the beauty and necessity of diversity within the church. True unity, from God's perspective, requires a blend of common beliefs and diverse gifts and callings.

Using the church in Corinth as an example, Johnson explains that the early Christians overemphasized the importance of revelatory gifts like speaking in tongues, leading to envy and disunity. These gifts, which were meant to be temporary and were used to communicate God's will before the New Testament was written, became a source of pride and competition. This elevation of specific gifts caused members to undervalue other essential spiritual gifts and led to chaos in their worship services.

Johnson points out that such problems persist today, particularly among charismatic groups that view speaking in tongues as a litmus test for genuine faith. He stresses that the true mark of a Christian is not the possession of showy gifts but the confession of Jesus as Lord. This shared confession is the foundation of unity within the church, regardless of the diverse backgrounds and former idolatries of its members.

In discussing spiritual gifts, Johnson emphasizes that they are grace-given and not earned. Every believer receives different gifts from the Holy Spirit, and these gifts are essential for the church's overall function and health. He uses the metaphor of the body to illustrate how each member has a unique role, and the absence of any part would hinder the body's ability to function effectively. Just as the human body requires different parts to perform various functions, the church needs a variety of spiritual gifts to thrive.

Johnson also addresses the issue of members feeling inadequate or envious because they lack certain gifts. He encourages believers to recognize and appreciate their unique contributions to the church, understanding that every gift, whether seen or unseen, is vital. He warns against evaluating others based on one's own strengths and urges the church to celebrate the diversity of gifts that God has provided.

Moreover, Johnson underscores the importance of service and ministry within the church. He notes that every act of service, no matter how small, is significant in God's eyes and contributes to the church's unity and growth. He shares anecdotes to illustrate how different members serve in various capacities, often behind the scenes, and how these acts of service are crucial to the church's functioning.

In conclusion, Johnson reaffirms that unity in the church is not about making everyone the same but about embracing and celebrating the diversity of gifts and backgrounds. This diversity, when rooted in a common confession of faith and a shared purpose, strengthens the church and enables it to fulfill its mission. He calls on believers to avoid criticizing others for their differences and instead to support and encourage one another, recognizing that every member is essential to the body of Christ.

In Michael Seewald's sermon titled "The Love of God," he expresses the profound difficulty in adequately capturing the vastness of God's love, acknowledging that his explanation can only scratch the surface. He begins by examining John 3:16, emphasizing that God's love for the world is demonstrated through the sacrificial giving of His only Son, Jesus Christ, to save humanity. Seewald delves into 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, where the Apostle Paul elaborates on the true nature of love, highlighting that actions without heartfelt love are meaningless. Through various scriptural references, including the emotional responses of Joseph and God's compassionate yearning for Israel, Seewald illustrates that true love encompasses deep internal feelings and outward actions.

Seewald discusses theologians' definitions of God's love, including Wayne Grudem, Louis Berkhoff, Charles Hodge, and Greg Nichols, noting that love involves both emotional and volitional aspects. He underscores that God's love is both a moral virtue and an emotional reality. This love is most poignantly displayed in the giving of Jesus, who lived a perfect life and died as an atonement for humanity's sins. Seewald reflects on Jesus' intense emotional and physical suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross, portraying it as the ultimate expression of God's love.

The sermon highlights Christ's love in his final moments, as he cared for his disciples, the people of Jerusalem, his persecutors, his mother, and the thief crucified beside him. Seewald emphasizes that Jesus' love remained steadfast and selfless even under extreme suffering. This divine love serves as an example for believers, encouraging them to love others genuinely and sacrificially. Seewald concludes by inviting listeners to reflect on God's immense love, which transforms hearts and compels believers to love God and their neighbors in return. For those yet to experience this love, he assures that it is freely available to all who seek it by faith.

Jeffrey Johnson's sermon "Approaching Christ's Table" delves into the importance of self-examination before partaking in communion, based on 1 Corinthians 11:27-34. Paul emphasizes that eating and drinking in an unworthy manner brings judgment upon oneself, leading to severe consequences such as illness and even death, as witnessed among the Corinthians. Self-examination means discerning one's relationship with Christ, acknowledging personal sins, and understanding the significance of the bread and cup as symbols of Christ’s body and blood. Johnson asserts that believers should approach the Lord’s Table with the same reverence as they would approach Christ or the gospel, recognizing Christ’s sacrifice, repenting of sins, believing in the gospel, and maintaining love and unity within the church.

Johnson outlines a fourfold exhortation for communion: examine oneself, believe the gospel, repent, and love the church. He warns against treating the Lord’s Table as a common meal, which shows disrespect and can make one guilty of disrespecting Christ’s sacrifice. The Corinthians had turned the Lord’s Table into a common fellowship meal, leading to division and irreverence. Johnson advocates for regular observance of communion to continually remember the gospel and maintain a sincere relationship with Christ. He suggests weekly communion to keep the gospel central in believers' lives, while cautioning against letting the ceremony become mundane. Regular practices like prayer, preaching, and singing retain their significance despite their frequency, and the same should apply to communion.

Practical applications include ensuring that only believers in right standing with Christ and the church partake in communion, using it as a teaching moment for non-believing children and visitors. Johnson notes that church practices vary, with some holding open communion (for all), some closed communion (for church members only), and some close communion (for believers in fellowship). Self-examination involves recognizing sin, believing in Christ's worthiness, and confessing sins for forgiveness and right standing with God. The Lord's Table signifies communion with Christ and unity among believers. Johnson encourages addressing personal grievances, seeking reconciliation, and loving the saints, reflecting Christ's love for the church. In conclusion, believers should approach the Lord’s Table with reverence, self-examination, faith, repentance, and love. Regular communion helps believers stay grounded in the gospel and maintain a joyful, celebratory remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.