This time of year is so full of Christian spirit. February falls between Christmas and Easter, in fact, there are 101 days (this year) between the two holidays. What day do you think falls on day 51? That’s right, Valentine’s Day. And what better way to demonstrate what it truly means to be Christian: LOVE. Christ is love, and he taught us this throughout his life.
“Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”” (Matthew 22: 34-39)
Throughout time, love remains constant. And although our opinions and our minds may differ, WE ALL LOVE. In John Wesley’s sermon on “Catholic Spirit” he said:
“But although a difference in opinions or modes of worship may prevent an entire external union, yet need it prevent our union in affection? Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences. These remaining as they are, they may forward one another in love and in good works.”
As many individual Christians there is very little we can do on our own, but when we allow the love of Christ to flow out through us, we may become one body in Christ, able to accomplish things beyond the reaches of our current perspective. If our mission is to make disciples for Christ, and if Christ is love, then it follows that our mission is to make disciples for love. And when we begin to love more, love fully, and love ALL, others will see and take note. Then, and only then, will we be able to fulfill the mission of the church.
“And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” (The Faith We Sing #2223)
Here are some resources for this month of Love:
On Christ’s Love for Us
24 Hours That Changed the World (D4150)
This DVD journey based on Adam Hamilton’s book of the same title is an inspiring walk through the last day of Jesus’ life. Come travel to the Holy Land with Adam to visit the sites where Jesus’ final hours took place. Experience the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, the condemnation, trial and crucifixion of Jesus as well as the victory of his resurrection. The accompanying study guide contains material for small-group discussion. Hamilton has also written a book of reflections suitable for a personal 40 day Lenten study. As senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, Hamilton serves one of the fastest-growing churches in the country. He has written numerous books and produced many DVD studies which are part of our RMC collection.
On Creation Love
Renewal (D2021)
There is an awakening occurring in faith communities that is changing how people relate to their environment. Whether it’s running a Jewish environmental education camp that teaches children to be mindful of consumption and waste from a biblical perspective, or Christians standing up to the powerful special interests responsible for destruction of the Appalachian mountains and contamination of impoverished towns, or Buddhist communities leading efforts to save trees, or Muslims forging bonds between urban communities and sustainable farms to engage in feeding the poor, the stories here inspire and inform as they encourage us to face the most significant problems of our planet. This collection of nine short stories shows how people of various faiths are uniting their beliefs and action to care for Creation. View this DVD and use it as a springboard to generate ideas about how your church can be part of the emerging faith-based environmental movement.
On Love and Relationships
How People Grow (D3650)
This set of five DVDs focus on Christian doctrine and themes that show why all growth is spiritual and how you can grow in ways you never thought possible. Find out what it takes to experience increasing strength and depth in your spiritual walk, marriage and family life, friendships and personal development. Contact the Regional Media Center today! E-mail: imcknight@pnwumc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/rmcumc • Contact the Regional Media Center today! E-mail: imcknight@pnwumc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/rmcumc • Contact the Regional Media Center today! E-mail: imcknight@pnwumc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/rmcumc • Contact the Regional Media Center today! E-mail: imcknight@pnwumc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/rmcumc
Love: All that and More (D3697)
This three-part series uses pop-culture imagery, documentary interviews and dramatic vignettes to help participants recognize gender stereotypes and their influence on dating relationships. In each videotape, young people of diverse identity (race, religion and sexual orientation) discuss real-life dating experiences and show how old gender stereotypes are giving way to expectations for equality and mutual respect. The study guide contains the religious content necessary for use in Christian youth groups. Contact the Regional Media Center today! E-mail: imcknight@pnwumc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/rmcumc • Contact the Regional Media Center today! E-mail: imcknight@pnwumc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/rmcumc • Contact the Regional Media Center today! E-mail: imcknight@pnwumc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/rmcumc • Contact the Regional Media Center today! E-mail: imcknight@pnwumc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/rmcumc
On Loving Yourself
You Matter More Than You Think (D4635)
In this bible study for women, Leslie Parrott shows how each piece of your life, no matter how haphazard, represents a part of what you do and who you are. While on the surface none of these pieces may seem to make a terribly dramatic impact, they are your life and when they are collected into a loving human heart, they become a treasure. If you have ever thought you don’t matter or the things you do don’t matter then this study is for you. Contact the Regional Media Center today! E-mail: imcknight@pnwumc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/rmcumc • Contact the Regional Media Center today! E-mail: imcknight@pnwumc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/rmcumc • Contact the Regional Media Center today! E-mail: imcknight@pnwumc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/rmcumc • Contact the Regional Media Center today! E-mail: imcknight@pnwumc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/rmcumc
