Herbert W Armstrong

   As we heard in the announcement, He is returning to re-establish God's government on this earth, and you and I are called to be a part of it. However, right now, we are given a responsibility to yield to Him, to Jesus Christ, allowing Him to mold us into His image by growing, by overcoming, by producing fruit, and by carrying out the works of the Church as He, Jesus Christ, assigns them to the Church.

   Notice, if you would please, in the book of John, in the book of John, chapter 17. John 17, John 17. And in verse four, we read, John 17:4, "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do." And Christ is saying to God the Father that all the preparations for My death have been completed.

   Many commentators, commenting on this verse, state that Christ had finished the work that God the Father had given Him. To that point, Christ had completed it. He had done His part exactly as God the Father desired. And Christ stated, "I have finished the work which You have given Me to do."

   And I have a question: What was that work? What was that work? Sometimes we may become a little narrow-minded in defining or understanding just exactly what the work is. But there are many places in God's Word where we can find the answer. But I'd like for us to look at a couple of places, and one is in the book of Matthew.

   If you turn with me to Matthew, chapter 11. Matthew 11. Matthew, chapter 11. In Matthew 11, we begin reading here in verse 2. Matthew 11:2, "And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, 'Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?' And Jesus answered and said to them, 'Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind receive their sight, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.'"

   "The poor have the gospel preached to them." "Poor," translated from the Greek word which means humble. And R.T. France, commenting on this verse, has this to say: " Poor immediately warns us that the thought here is not of material poverty, but of those who humbly trust God, even though their loyalty results in oppression and material disadvantage. In contrast with the wicked who arrogantly set themselves up against God and persecute His people, the emphasis is on piety and suffering, and on dependence on God." End of quote.

   Those who want to trust God and depend upon Him, as you and I are called to be learning, we are called to be learning how to do, you might say.

   Now, Luke records the same account. If you take a look at it over in the book of Luke. Luke, chapter 7. Same account is recorded in Luke 7. Luke 7. And we pick up the story in verse 18. Luke 7:18, "Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, 'Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?' When the men had come to Him, they said, 'John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"' And that very hour He cured many people of their infirmities, afflictions, evil spirits, and to many who were blind He gave sight. And then Jesus answered and said to them, 'Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, that the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.'"

   Now, there are several opinions, as I'm sure we realize, about why John sent messengers to Christ. And I find this one mentioned by Leon Morris in his commentary to be quite interesting. Now, Morris had commented on three other opinions, and then he commented on this fourth one. A fourth suggestion is that it was not John's faith but his patience that failed. His questions may be in the spirit of, "You are the One we are expecting, aren't You? Then why not do something?"

   John might also have been thinking, "If I am the Messiah's forerunner and Jesus is the Messiah, why am I in prison? Why am I in prison?" John may have needed reassurance or clarification, for he, like many others that went before him and those that followed, expected the Messiah to overcome wickedness, to judge sin, and to set up His Kingdom at that time. That was at the forefront of their minds.

   And Luke's account reveals that Christ performed miracles even as John's messengers were there in His presence, and they were watching as He was healing the blind, the lame, the sick. And we see that Matthew and Luke both record a sequence of events referred to as the work that Christ stated He was involved with. But there is something else that Christ was showing the world, and it is applicable to you and me, I believe.

   Aspects of Jesus' character were being described—the character that you and I are to be developing. As we heard also in the comments and during the announcement from Dr. Winnail, some of those character traits are mercy, compassion, concern, kindness, and agape.

   Now, in giving sight to the blind, in healing the lame, the lepers, the deaf, raising the dead—showing outgoing concern for others was an expression of giving, as our Savior set the example for us, expecting absolutely nothing in return. Better described as agape love. Agape love: character traits of God the Father in Jesus Christ, character traits that you and I must be building if we are to rule with Christ, again as we heard in the announcements and the comments from Dr. Winnail.

   Now, preaching to the world—or the public, as we refer to it, the general public—is one very intricate aspect, you might say, of the work. And we know that to be true. Part of the commission given to God's Church. However, it is not the entire work. It's part of it, as we just read, an intricate part of it. But the work involves much more—much, much more, as we'll see as we go through this.

   I would like for us to look at one aspect of a spiritual character requirement, which we can also label, you might say, as an aspect of the work, the gospel message that I feel is essential to our qualifying to rule with Christ. And so I have a topic: Agape love—the love of God. Agape love—the love of God.

   Mark, chapter 1, if you turn with me, please. Mark, chapter 1. Agape love. We'll find that agape love is so much different than the way that this world looks at love. What you and I have taken on as part of our character trait because we've grown up in this world. We've lived in this world. It has become a part of our character. We refer to it as human nature. It's a part of us.

   Mark 1. In Mark 1 and in verse 14 (Mark 1:14), we read, "Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.'" Repent. We know that that means to turn from our sins and to live to please God, resign our lives to Him—not follow the ways of this world, not follow our own human inclinations, but to follow the example that Jesus Christ taught and set for us.

   Now, there is something that Jesus Christ and God the Father share that motivated—motivated—Christ to complete all that the Father commanded, to complete all that the Father desired. And Christ did it willingly, and He did it without fail. Now, we're not at that point. We know that. We, at this particular juncture, can't do it perfectly because we are not perfect. And we know it is a growth process, but we are in the process of growing into the nature and the character of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And so, just as the Father wanted it done, Jesus Christ did it, as He desires for you and I to be striving to do in everything we think, say, and do.

   And that something that Jesus Christ and God the Father have is agape love. Agape love—the love that motivated Jesus Christ to qualify to rule. He had that deep inclination to please His Father. He didn't have to be motivated because He had that character trait. Agape love—the love that you and I must be developing, that love that we must be perfecting again if we are to rule with Jesus Christ.

   So you see, there is a qualification requirement on our part, or else the preaching of the gospel will be diminished. We are to be setting the example. When people look at us, they are to see something different from this world. When they hear us, they are to hear something different from what they hear from this world. Or else the preaching of the gospel to the public will be diminished.

   God will always provide some teaching. Always. We only have to seek it. We only have to yearn for it. It has always been there. He says, "I will build My Church, and the gates of hell—or the gates of the grave—will not prevail against it." So it's always going to be there.

   Now, we read in the book of Judges where the children of Israel, time and time again, rejected God. They served idols, and we know that that angered God. Yet, each time that they called out to Him, He delivered them just as He does for you and me. We run—okay, we make our own decisions, we go in the opposite direction of what Jesus Christ did. God knows that. He's always there for us when we cry out to Him.

   And those individuals that may be rejecting sound teaching today, in reality, are rejecting God. I'm sure we all realize that. But only God knows what it will take to turn them around, to cause those individuals to cry out to Him for deliverance. Now, if God decides to do it through having them go through the tribulation or whatever the process is, God will have decided it. God will decide it. And so, we don't need to be overly concerned with it. God has always reserved certain matters for Himself.

   Now, we know that Christ had to qualify, and so must you and I. He has given you and me a work to do. A work to do. And that work that we have to do is individually, and it is collectively.

   Christ taught that the way mankind lived was the cause of trouble, the cause of pain, the cause of suffering, the cause of discord, the cause of disunity, the cause of confusion, and separation from God—the very opposite of peace. Jesus Christ said to His disciples, as we all know, "My peace I give to you, My peace I leave with you, not as the world." So He's talking about a different type of peace. And Christ lived a way, as we all realize, that was diametrically opposite to man's way. And we know that that way is inspired by Satan, the adversary.

   Christ loved His Father so deeply that He was willing to give His all. The love that God the Father and His Son share, again, is agape love—a different type of love. And that's the same love that Jesus Christ lived.

   Now, living agape love is not just a character trait, but a requirement for us to meet in order to rule with Christ. Now, let's briefly define agape love. Agape, from the Greek word which also means to esteem, and it means goodwill, and it means benevolence. To esteem. We know that we are told to esteem others better than ourselves. Goodwill—outgoing concern for others. And benevolence.

   Now, Zodhiates' Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament further defines agape this way: "A direction of the will and finding one's joy in something or someone. With reference to God's love, agape love, it is God's willful direction toward man. It involves doing what God knows is best for man and not necessarily what man desires." End of quote.

   Vine's Expository Dictionary defines agape love this way: "Christian agape love has God for its primary object and expresses itself, first of all, in implicit obedience to His commandments. Christian agape love, whether exercised toward the brethren or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings. It does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Agape love seeks the welfare of all and works no ill to any." End of quote.

   God loves all of mankind. He loves His creation entirely—not just those of us in this room, but all of mankind. We know that we are the first step in God's plan, the elect, firstfruits. But eventually, He will make it available to all of mankind. That is agape love. And so you see that we are talking about a very different type of love than what mankind understands and practices apart from God's inspiration.

   Now, agape love, with God as its primary object, will recognize and embrace sound teaching because we know where it leads to. We can see the big picture. We embrace the big picture. We will recognize, if we are being led by God's agape love, we will pursue Godly character while we will reject worldliness. We will come to understand the difference between the two, and we will reject it.

   Revelation 22, if you turn with me, please. Revelation, chapter 22. Revelation 22. In Revelation 22 and in verse 6, verse 6. Revelation 22:6, "Then he said to me, 'These words are faithful and true.' And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. 'Behold,' verse 7, 'I am coming quickly! Blessed is he, or happy is he, who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.'"

   John was inspired, as we all know, to write that this book is trustworthy and true. Everything that is included, from Genesis to Revelation, and you can rely upon what is written in it. And the truths are not confusing. And if we allow God to teach us, and if we yield, stand, and obey, agape love will resign those responsibilities that God has reserved for Himself to God, and will cause us to not even attempt to take on those responsibilities—those things that He has reserved for Himself.

   Christ lived agape love. He lived and showed this love for God the Father, and He showed it for you and me, as He showed it also for all of mankind. Now, you and I are to live and to show agape love for Jesus Christ and for our neighbor, especially those who are of the household of God. And in doing so, we move toward qualification to rule with Christ—not love as many decide on their own just what love is and how to live it. Many individuals arrive at that on their own, so they feel.

   And He doesn't want us to look at love as if society understands it and lives it, but as Christ understood it and as Christ loved it. And it is contained in the pages of this book and the example that Christ lived.

   Now, we are to be developing with each other that same relationship that exists between God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. We're working at it—step by step process. We're not there yet, but it is a growth process. And that is why it is so critical that we spend time together. That's why it's so important to fellowship with one another. As we know, the saying recorded in God's Word that iron sharpens iron—the more that we are with those of like mind, the more that mind starts to gel and to grow and expand into godliness. And that same relationship that results in harmony, peace, and tranquility—just the opposite of friction, disagreements, ill feelings, competition, confrontations, debates—which is not agape love. God doesn't get involved with that. Jesus Christ didn't set the example of that. That is not agape love.

   I believe that individually, our focus—as some choose to do—I'm not saying anybody in this room is in this category, but some individuals seem to focus on what the Church should be doing at this time, what others should be doing at this time. But you see, that is God's responsibility, isn't it? That's God's responsibility. I do believe that God's desire is that we focus on those things, those areas in our individual lives that fall short of the glory of Christ. God the Father is love. Christ is love. And we should be striving to emulate them.

   I want to spend the remainder of this sermon on aspects of how agape love manifests itself in loving God—areas that God wants each of us to continually display in growth. It is a growth process, and I don't think that He wants us to take it lightly.

   Now, let's take a look—a very brief look—at a few examples of how this world's love manifests itself. Love, as defined by Webster's Seventh Collegiate Dictionary, says this: "Affection based on admiration, on benevolence, unselfish concern that freely accepts another in loyalty and seeks his good." Affection is further defined as feeling or attachment. Concern for a need for admiration is defined as esteem highly, to place a value on. Benevolence—a disposition to do good, an act of kindness.

   But I guess the question arises—at least it does to me: Does this society, does this world practice these definitions of love? The answer is probably a very few, but the overwhelming majority do not. And they cannot, as we realize, because they do not understand the factors, the adjustments that must be made in each of our individual lives. And it's a different walk, even though the goal is the same. And these adjustments, these corrections—course corrections—have to be made before it can manifest itself.

   And I would feel—maybe I'm wrong, I hope I'm wrong—but I feel that the majority in this society, the society in which we find ourselves, probably could care less about love from God's perspective. And this is love on a human level that the overwhelming majority cannot attain. Now, although many individuals crave it, we all realize that the entertainment that is offered by this society is a sad display, I feel, of physical lust, physical pleasure—nothing but a fantasy, all wrapped in a facade and marketed as love.

   Love. How many times do you see individuals say, "I love you, we're in love," and two hours later, it's someone else—"We're in love," thirty minutes later, third party—"We're in love," and just go through the process over and over again? Words of "I love you" are virtually meaningless, noncommittal, and conversations, for the most part, are meaningless and without substance. It's hard to—I don't know about you, but it's hard for me to even try to listen to good news reporting because there's so much garbage involved in it, you know? All this back-and-forth bickering, and everyone's trying to outtalk each other. I mean, how can you glean anything from that?

   Wedding vows mean absolutely nothing in this society in which we find ourselves. Now you, most of you realize that there was a time when an individual's word was a bond. A simple handshake closed many deals, and we know that that was true. And they lasted long after the deal had been made. Agreements and contracts are seldom worth the paper that they are written on today. Individuals lie, and they cheat, they defraud, they steal, they break promises, totally disregard commitments—most of the time without giving it a second thought. Most don't even realize what is actually taking place. Maybe they don't care. It has become so ingrained in their everyday dealings and in their character, in their very being.

   God is on their lips. We look at the history of mankind. Many books—libraries are running over with books. Mankind professes God. God is on their lips, but there is no fear. There is no love of God. This society's relationships and marriages are superficial and without commitment or dedication. Living together, children out of wedlock, abuse, abandonment, children murdered, tossed out—everyone is seemingly on a pleasure trip. No direction, no responsibility, no commitment, no substance.

   Notice an interesting scripture in the book of Mark, Mark chapter 7—one that you probably got memorized. Mark 7. Mark 7. In Mark 7 and in verse 6 (Mark 7:6), "This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me." One commentary had an interesting comment. I'd like to read it. It says, "Putting human reasoning on the same level with Godly requirements, trusting in human reasoning and not in God, simply paying lip service."

   That's the society in which we find ourselves. That's the society that has existed almost 6,000 years now. Little or no concern for the good and welfare of others, and we're probably looking at a society that is on the greatest ego trip ever—at least from my perspective. But you see, you and I are in this room for a purpose. Because we are called to be different. We are called to set an example that this society has turned its back on. We are called to be different.

   I have an article here that I would like to—it's a very long article, I won't read it all. I'll just read some of it. But I think that I found it very interesting. I hope it will be to you. We're called to learn to rule, and we're called to learn to rule God's way—not our way, not this society's way, not this world's way, which has failed and is not God's way, even with the overlay of seemingly good that pops its head up every once in a while.

   From the article: "Can any man—or for that matter, any government of men—come to grips with and solve the weighty problems confronting mankind today? Is it, in fact, humanly possible to solve today's ills? The sobering answer is: It is not. And it is imperative that we come to understand why.

   Any man or woman stepping into an office of rulership over others is immediately confronted by a set of conditions and events already in motion, which the incoming person is, in effect, powerless to reverse. Most governments, especially those of the Western world, are today founded upon large bureaucracies. Those who staff those labyrinthian offices often are not brought in directly by the new head of state. They are not necessarily bound to follow loyally his thinking. A newly elected or appointed leader finds that, besides having to frequently battle against the tide of public opinion to achieve goals he feels are important, he must often struggle as well against those within his own governmental structure.

   But really, what would you do if you were president? Where would you go? To whom would you turn to seek peace in our time? What steps would you take if suddenly the hideous weight of all the ugly, imponderable problems faced daily by the heads of state around the world were placed on your shoulders? Would you have the answers? Does anyone?

   The great tragedy of our time, however, is that the answers are not bringing us what the world needs. Where in 6,000 years of human history have there been men who could lead mankind to peace?" Interesting. "Where in 6,000 years of human history have there been men who could lead mankind to peace, to happiness, everything that has been sought in vain for so long?

   The best any government has been able to do is merely attempt to treat day-to-day effects—only waves on the surface of the pond. But the deep, underlying causes that lead to war, sickness, poverty, and everything else people want so badly to overcome remain essentially unchecked. One of history's prime examples of capable statesman directed toward the common good of all people was that of David, king of Israel during the 11th century B.C. King David was obviously a natural leader, but the real key to David's success in office was far removed from modern-day TV images, computer surveys, campaign promises engineered by professional staffs, and other necessities of contemporary political life.

   David was one of the few leaders in the chronicles of history to really understand and put into practice what was needed before his nation could truly enjoy what America's founding fathers termed the blessings of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This monarch's last words were aimed at those who would take up the mantle of leadership after him. David's deeply wise, timeless admonition, taken from II Samuel 23: 'He that rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.'

   David and the nation over which he ruled were pointedly aware of the existence of a God who was both their Creator and the supreme ruler. There are answers to the gargantuan dilemmas that face us today, but we have forgotten where to look for them. There is no leader in society to lead people to peace because no man by himself knows the way to peace. But that way is available and understandable. It is up to us to face up to it and accept it, rather than erect shallow substitutes in its place.

   The one workable platform available to man today, if he were willing to forego his pride, vanity, and selfishness, is for man to begin to realize that God exists and that… Don't trust any man. Trust God is the answer you and I really need."

   This is the very message brought by Jesus Christ. He announced the world's only hope for ultimate peace: the government and laws of God Almighty—not those of men. That is the way to peace. You and I are called to be part of something very special, brethren. Now, if you're wondering about that article, it appeared in the Plain Truth magazine, May 1972. May 1972.

   Notice in the book of Romans, Romans chapter 12. Same message that God's Church has been thundering out for 60, going on 70 years. Romans 12, verse 2 (Romans 12:2), "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

   Paul is encouraging you and me, brethren, saying that the god of this evil world, this evil age in which we find ourselves, blinds the minds of those who are not called at this time. But you and I can live in this world and still conduct our lives as heirs, just as Jesus Christ did—not perfectly, but we can live a life that pleases our Creator. We only have to want it. We only have to seek it. But it's there. We simply must allow God to transform us, to transfigure and ultimately to glorify us, to change our way of thinking, which eventually leads to the way that we act. We must allow Him to mold us into a new creation.

   And I'm sure that we realize that ever since Adam and Eve, this society has paid lip service to God, as Jesus Christ tells us through Mark. Society has paid lip service. Yet you and I are being offered something special, and that is to think and love as God the Father and as Jesus Christ. No ifs, ands, or buts, no excuses.

   Agape love is, as we stated, God's willful direction toward man—toward you and me. However, in order for us to show agape love towards God and towards each other, towards our neighbor, we must first appropriate God's agape love. We have to have that love before we can live it, before we can show it. For only God has such an unselfish love. There's no other place we can find it. Only He has it.

   I John, chapter 4, if you turn with me, please. I John, chapter 4. I John 4. And in verse 19 (I John 4:19), we read, "We love Him because He first loved us." And then in verse 8, "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."

   God is love. He who does not live agape love, and he who does not produce works that agape love influences, does not know God. It's another way of putting it, because God says that His Word will not return to Him empty. It produces fruit. And if we are striving to live agape love, there are certain fruits that will be born.

   John Stott, commenting on this verse, says this: "A Christian who professes to know God and fails to manifest the nature of God, whom we claim as Father and our Friend, is loveless, for love is as much a sign of Christian authenticity as is righteousness." End of quote. Now, just another way of saying, "You will know them by their fruits and the effects that it has on others."

   We either live the love of this world, or we live and act the love of God—agape love. Now, how does Godly love, agape love, manifest itself? There are many aspects, but I'd like for us to just take a look at three.

   First of all, agape love manifests itself in obedience to God. In obedience to God, having a zeal for godliness. It shows our true love for Him when we strive to live agape love.

   John, chapter 15. John 15. John 15. And in verse 13 (John 15:13), "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." Now, the emphasis is not on being God's friend, as one commentary put it, but on laying down one's life. That's where the emphasis should be placed. Surrendering our all—that's what we promised, that's what we vowed to God, those that have been baptized. We give up everything. "So my life is now Yours to do with as You please, completely and without reservation." We've given it up if we truly repented.

   Now, when we give up our life, we are giving all that we have—all that we have.

   Notice verse 14: "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you." Conditional. If you do what I command you, we are His friends. Love God the Father with all of our being is what He is asking. Love Him with all of our being.

   I John, I John chapter 3. All these are familiar scriptures, I'm sure. I John 3. I John 3. And in verse 16, I John 3:16, "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."

   How many of us really and truly believe that we will lay down our lives for anyone other than ourselves, or someone that we deeply love? John reminds us that we know love. We know love. How do we know love? By the supreme example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus died actively, purposely, of His own free will. And so, therefore, we have an obligation to Him. We have an obligation to Him if we truly repented and if we really take our baptism seriously.

   John, chapter 14. John 14. John 14. I'm sure that as we look around us, we should feel that something is happening on the horizon. I believe that all of the things that we see going on around the world should move us. I believe if we've been listening to God's Church all the years that it has been thundering out that message, and we see these things come to fruition, I think that we should be moved by it—excited that God is about to set His government up on this earth and the role that He has called you and me to play. And that's exciting to me. That's very exciting to see all the hurt, the evil, the corruption that is in this society, to see it come to an end and see God's government ushered in, where there will be peace and happiness and joy and prosperity. I think that is exciting.

   John 14 and verse 23 (John 14:23), "Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.'"

   "He who loves Me will keep My words." Agape love. Agape love. Adam Clarke, commenting on this verse, had this to say: "You will observe all of My sayings and have your affections and conduct regulated by My Spirit and by My doctrines." End of quote. That's another way of saying we make a full commitment. God the Father and Jesus Christ, allowing Jesus Christ to live His life within us, as Mr. Meredith continues to encourage us, letting God rule our every being, our every thought, every word, our every action. We don't love God when we don't strive with all of our being to do those things that He commands us, and He commands us through this book—not some minister that's up here speaking. It's not coming from that person. It's coming from this book because that's what God inspired and left for us for our own good because He wants us to be a part of His soon-coming Kingdom.

   Now, if we truly love God with agape love, we would want to please God, for we sincerely would have that agape love for Him. And we know what the end result will bring. We would respect and honor Him, and we would honor His creation. We would honor His brethren. We would honor His children, and especially the called-out ones—the firstfruits. We would have a special care and concern for them.

   I John 3. I think it's crunch time. Mr. Armstrong used to refer to it as the "gun lap." I don't know what that really means in terms of time, but I think that times are critical. And I think that God wants to know, just like He said to Abraham, "Now I know." He wants to know where each of us stands in regards to our relationship to Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. And I don't think that He will give us eternal life and all the power that He wants to give to us until He knows exactly where we stand.

   I John, I John 3 and in verse 18 (I John 3:18): "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And here, John is actually saying that the words of love that are never translated into action are worthless. They are worthless. They're just words.

   Mankind has written and mankind has spoken right things for ages but has not acted upon them with agape love because they didn't understand it. They had no idea what it is. But you and I have that understanding. God has given it to us, and we can act upon it, and He wants us to.

   Love is an act of giving one's all to someone else. That's what Christ did. Obedience to God, having a zeal for godliness, will manifest itself in acts of agape love based upon God's truth—not just words, but actions.

   Agape love will not, and cannot, cause a brother to stumble. Why? Because agape love will cause us to realize that we are not in reality wronging the other person that we may cause to stumble. We're not wronging that person, we're not wronging the situation, we're not wronging a particular issue, but we are wronging our Creator. Agape love will lead us to understand that, and it will lead us to make the right decisions.

   Jude. Book of Jude. And Jude, and in verse 9: "Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you.'"

   Interesting scripture. I'm sure we've read it and discussed it many times. But here we see that Michael the archangel was having a contention, you might say, with the devil. And when he disputed about the body of Moses, Michael dared not bring against even the devil an accusation. Now, the Greek word translated "accusation" here has far deeper meaning than it appears on the surface. We know that the Hebrew word for accuser is Satan. And so Christ was placing the blame on the correct being, wasn't He, when He said, "You are of your father, the devil."

   But let's look at the definitions of the Greek word krises, krises, which is translated here as "accusation." It is better translated to attack by malicious devices. It also means to exact money wrongfully, which is the same as to extort or to defraud. It means enmity, an attack on the person through hatred or hostility. It means a sentence of condemnation when we bring an accusation against another—a damnatory judgment. Now, when we accuse others, that is exactly what we're doing. Doesn't matter whether the person is right or wrong—that's not addressed to you. Michael didn't address that. He just says, "I dare not do that." I dare not do that.

   Now, notice what one commentary had to say on Jude 9: "Did not dare"—this is the statement or the phrase that is being commented on. "It is not said that he did not dare to do it because he feared Satan. But all that the word implies is met by supposing that He did not dare to do it because He feared God, our Creator."

   Agape love will encourage us and move us in the direction of having the right fear of God. Now, the Greek word also means blasphemy. The meaning is, "He did not indulge in the language of mere reproach." And it is implied here that such language would be wrong anywhere, in any situation. If it would be right to bring a railing accusation against anyone, it would be against Satan. And that's the end of quote.

   Satan is the one that deserves it, you might say, but Michael did not even go there. He said, "No, no, no. God rebuke you." Yet Satan inspires us to walk down that path when we accuse others and we point fingers at our brethren. Even if what we are saying is true, in God's sight, it is not good. It is not acceptable because it's not agape love.

   We are to set the example. We are to encourage. We are to inspire—not to discourage, not to point fingers of accusation. God expects you and me to serve and to help one another, to edify, to build up—not tear down and smear individuals all over the place. Set the example that Jesus Christ set.

   Secondly, agape love is living patiently. Agape love is living patiently—resigning our lives to God, not just understanding patience, but living patience.

   Psalm 37. Psalm 37. You think about all the individuals that will come out of the tribulation—how those individuals will be in such disarrangement. No telling what state of mind they may be in. Look at the patience that must be required on our part to deal with those situations. That's what God is trying to teach us now.

   Psalm 37 and in verse 7 (Psalm 37:7): "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." "Rest," from the Hebrew word meaning to be dumb, dumb—to stop, to cease, to quiet the self, to be silent, to stand still. It implies leaving the whole matter with God without being anxious for the result. Whatever situation we are faced with, when we take it to God and we leave it with Him, trusting in Him to resolve it in His own good time, we are growing in patience, and we are showing patience.

   Again, this world's way of doing things is simply to take matters into one's own hands—just like Judas Iscariot. "I've got to make things happen. I've got to make things occur. I've got to rush this on." You know, he felt that Jesus Christ, as we know the story, was to set up His government at that time, the way that so many others felt. So he was wanting to bring it about. "He has all this power, I know, so I'll force the situation and make Him use it." You see, it's wrong, but this society sees things. "I see this problem. I've got to fix it." See, that's wrong. "I've got to right it." But you see, that's human reasoning, because we leave God out of the picture.

   Luke, chapter 8. Luke, chapter 8. Luke 8. Luke, chapter 8 and in verse 15. Luke 8:15: "But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience." Bear fruit with patience. Not sit around and grumble and moan, but to bear fruit. What fruit? Jesus Christ explained it when John sent his messengers to Him—sowing seeds of good.

   Patience is defined as a quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to a circumstance or cave in to a trial. We're talking about enduring all things in hope—looking beyond this life.

   Now, that doesn't mean to say that we don't go through some difficult trials, difficult situations, and it varies from person to person—we all know that. And some of the trials are almost mind-boggling. Some of the pain, the suffering, is mind-boggling. And individuals that go through those things, you know, it makes you want to cry at times because you don't feel it the way that they feel it. And oftentimes you feel as though you wish you had something that you can do to relieve the pain, the suffering. But you see, God sees it. He sees it, and it's not that He doesn't care, but He is doing something. He is working out a purpose. He's working out a plan. He's taking you and me from death—from death. He's called us from slavery. And what He is doing is He is molding us into His image. And what we are at this point is nothing like what He is. We can't see it, but He does. And He's taking us from point A to point B, and He'll get us there. The only thing we have to do is not have hope in this life. Resign ourselves to God, resting in Him, and allow Him to work out His good pleasure in not only us but in everything, in everything.

   Now, most certainly there are some situations where we must and should get involved, but there ultimately comes a time in most situations—or many situations—where we have to give it to and leave it in God's hands. We have to leave it in His hands because He promises that He'll never leave us, and He'll never forsake us, and He'll never test us beyond what we are able to bear. We only have to believe it, because it's a mental thing. And once we believe it, He starts performing miracles in our way of thinking, in what we feel, in what we see, and in what we do. But we have to let Him know that we are trusting in Him because He sees every single situation long, long before we see it. He sees it. He's aware. But you see, He is testing, and He is training us. He's testing, and He is training.

   Notice in the book of James, if you would, please—James, chapter 1. James, chapter 1. James, chapter 1 and in verse 4 (James 1:4): "But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

   The Phillips translation translates that verse this way: "But let the process go on." The Living Bible says, "Don't try to wiggle out of your perceived problems." Okay. Phillips continues: "But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character, men of integrity with no weak spots." End of quote.

   There are no weak spots with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There are no weak spots with God the Father. And He is what? Molding you and me into His image. He's re—what is He, what do you call it? He's, uh—the word just escaped me—but He's reproducing Himself. And if there are no weak spots with the two of Them, then there can't be any weak spots in us. And so, therefore, He wants us to learn patience so that we can get rid of those weak spots that exist in all of us.

   And so James is encouraging us not to interfere with God's plan for our lives, to persevere in our trials. And he's also pleading that we be patient because God is going to bring us to completion. He will finish the work that He has begun in us.

   Now, the third area that I'd like for us to look at is that agape love willingly, willingly accepts correction. Willingly accepts correction. Now, many get all bent out of shape when correction is given. I've encountered that. I'm sure that you've encountered that. Mr. Millich has encountered that much more than me, I'm sure. But it happens. Individuals don't like to be corrected. Why? Because they think they're right. "You don't understand." And you see, if they don't say anything, oftentimes the facial expressions will almost knock you to your knees. You just look at them, you see them. It happens. It occurs. And sometimes I feel as though maybe individuals don't realize how they are reacting, but you see, God sees it all, and He doesn't want that type of response because that's not agape love. Agape love doesn't respond in that fashion.

   Job, chapter 5. Job, chapter 5. Job, chapter 5. And Job 5:17, "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty." We're talking about a man who willingly accepts trials and tribulations, ups and downs, and he does it in the right attitude, the right frame of mind, simply because he's able to look beyond this life. He's able to see what God is fashioning, what He's molding, because we look in this book, and this book tells us the image, the characteristics of God the Father in Jesus Christ. And we yearn for that. We want to be like that. And if we're looking at ourselves correctly, we don't see that in ourselves, but we can see it eventually. And so that's what he means by "willfully accepting, willingly accepting."

   Francis Andersen, commenting on this verse, writes this: "When disaster hits the godly man, he recognizes this as part of God's training, and so can rejoice in adversity." End of quote. End of quote. We see what it is God is doing, and so we want it to continue. Andersen continues: "It is a beautiful tribute to the fatherly care of God—strict but kind. His apparent severity in allowing sickness, setbacks, famine, and war, fire and flood, plagues and wild beasts—there is not the slightest doubt that all these natural things come immediately from His sovereign hand—is more than outweighed by His goodness in sending remedies for all these disasters, at least that is how it will work out for the trustful man who is not impatient or who refuses the chastening of the Almighty." End of quote.

   Notice Proverbs, chapter 3. Proverbs, chapter 3. Proverbs, chapter 3. And in verse 11, Proverbs 3:11, "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Eternal, nor detest His correction; for whom the Eternal loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights." We heard that in the sermonette.

   The word "despise" is better translated here as "reject." Reject. Human nature naturally resents, rejects trials and hardships and corrections. Human nature. We have to be striving to overcome human nature, but it automatically just naturally resents and rejects trials and hardships and correction. But here we are encouraged to see the good in it, the benefits that are to be derived. And agape love will see God's hand in everything and will cause us to be thankful to God for Him taking such an interest in us, for taking such an interest in us, for being such a loving and such a caring Father that He wants to give us all that He has. But we have to overcome. He won't accept us just as we are.

   Jeremiah, chapter 30. Jeremiah, 30. Jeremiah, 30. Jeremiah 30:11, "For I am with you, says the Eternal, to save you; though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, yet I will not make a complete end of you. But I will correct you in justice, and will not let you go altogether unpunished." Just as Christ's sufferings that He went through—although rigorous, and they were very cruel—brought tremendous blessings and benefits for you and me, and eventually to all mankind. And that is the process—the trials, the tribulations that we're going through now—are designed to bring happiness and benefits, miracles, to those later, to those that will come later after we are changed and made a part of God's Kingdom.

   If we resign our lives to God, believing that He is sovereign, we will willingly, gladly, not only accept correction, but we will crave it. We will fully understand that God knows emphatically what is best for us because He is the Master Potter, and He sees into our hearts, and He knows what is best for each of us. And you can see that He doesn't apply the same correction or trials to everyone. They're different, but they are designed based upon our needs. And only He knows what's best for us.

   Psalm 51, if you turn with me, please. Psalm 51. Psalm 51. And in verse 10, the man that God called "a man after My own heart." Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me."

   You see, David craved it. What David is asking is that if it takes correction, if it takes reproof, if it takes suffering, whatever—do whatever is necessary. For You know what's best for me. That's what he was saying. Paraphrasing what he was saying to his Creator.

   Agape love never does a wrong towards God. Sure, we slip and fall. We certainly get involved in situations, say things that we later on regret and repent of, but it happens to all of us. But you see, it's not a staple, you might say, in our character, our makeup. It's not something that just continually happens if we are being led by God's Spirit and we are expressing agape love.

   Because agape love encourages—it doesn't discourage. It doesn't disorient by casting doubt, sending wrong signals about one's character. Agape love is not one that belittles, undresses, and humiliates, or ruins a person or their reputation. Agape love doesn't do that. Agape love is a love that this society does not comprehend. It's never comprehended.

   And this is the type of love that is shared and lived by God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Agape is the love that you and I are now learning, and God wants all mankind to love as He and His Son love. He will ensure that we grow into that love if we yield to Him and allow Him to refine us. Let's allow Him to cleanse us of this world's love, which we all have in the form of human nature, and it is flashy and it is self-centered. And let's allow Him to fashion us into the image of His Son, who lived and is agape love.

   Agape love is obedience to God, living patiently, and willfully accepting correction.

   In closing, please turn with me to the book of John, if you would. John, chapter 13. John, chapter 13. John, chapter 13 and in verse 35. John 13:35, and I'll read this from the New English Translation because, for the purposes of this sermon, I think it brings it out a little better. John 13:35 from the New English Translation: "If there is this agape love among you, then all will know that you are My disciples."

   Brethren, it's always good being back, and I hope that you have an enjoyable rest of the Sabbath and a good week.