Defination: A strong feeling of affection and concern toward another person, as that arising from kinship or close friendship. A feeling of devotion or adoration toward God or a god. When asked to quote a Bible verse on Love most would answer with the words of the Lord Jesus. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The word LOVE appears 442 times in the KJV. 240 times in the Old Testament and 202 times in the New Testament.
Looking at the times the Apostle Paul mentions LOVE in each of his 14 epistles.
We should love God Ephesians 1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: When we love God it shows. Ephesians 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, A restatement of John 3:16. Ephesians 2:4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, Ephesians 3:19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. The way we should be toward each other. Ephesians 4:2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; How every believer should live. Ephesians 4:15-16But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Because of Christ. Ephesians 5:2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. A command to husbands. Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Ephesians 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. The Apostles final word to the Ephesians. Ephesians 6:23-24Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Even a cursory reading of the Bible is all that is needed to show us, we are in a battle, a war, and it is to the finish. We (who have trusted in Christ) will be the victors. (1 Corinthians 15:57) We are conquerors (Romans 8:37) But we need to realize even though the outcome is sure, the battle is still raging on (Ephesians 6:12)
…..Our commission is sure (Acts 1:8) …..Our acts are set (1 Timothy 1:18,6:12) …..Our position is secure (2 Timothy 2:3) …..Our weapons are listed (Ephesians 6:13-18)
When we rely upon God, He will deliver ….
Let’s look at a Biblical Soldier in 1 Samuel 17:1-3 The battle scene is described. The PHILISTINES were 1st mentioned in Genesis 21:32, 26:18. They occupied 5 major cities to the south of Israel. At times they were friendly, bu they were used by God to chastise the Jews when the disobeyed Him, especially during the times of the Judges and into the times of the Kings.
Read 1 Samuel 17:4-7 Just how big was Golliath? A cubit is generally accepted at 18” and a span at 9”. Picture of giant of a man. So 18 x 6 = 108 +9 =117 / 12 = 9’ 9” or If a cubit is 20” he would be 10’ 9”. Needless to say he was a BIG man.
Read 1 Samuel 17:8-10 Goliath was not only big but his pride was in his size.
Read 1 Samuel 17:11 Israel was in a state of apostasy, they didn’t lean upon God but upon self which resulted in their being “dismayed and terrified”. We are in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12) and we need God in our lives. Jesus taught us who to fear. (Matthew 10:28)
Read 1 Samuel 17:12-25 Without God, man will try anything, but even a high prize failed to produce a HERO.
Read 1 Samuel 17:26-32 David could step up to the Challenge because his faith and trust was in God. Psalm 118:6-8 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
Read 1 Samuel 17:33-51 For actual Battle Details.
DAVID WAS THE VICTOR because GOD GAVE HIM THE VICTORY
As believers we MUST stand for God. When we do He gives the victory! 2 Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 34:7, 91:4, 125:2
The Apostle reaffirmsJohn 3:16. Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Faith, Belief is all that counts. Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. It’s stated in Leviticus, Cited by the Lord Jesus inMatthew 5:43 19:19, Mark 12:31, andRomans 13:9. Galatians 5:13-14For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love a gift from the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Sent by God,
by Man, or by the Devil, the word is always in the masculine
Angels have personalities Matthew 18:10, 24:36, Psalm 148:2, Hebrews 1:4-5 Wisdom and Strength Psalm 103:20-21, 2 Peter 2:11, Revelation 5:2 Angels are Spirit Beings Hebrews 1:14, Psalm 104:4 Angles are without number Hebrews 12:22, Matthew 26:53,Revelation 5:11 Angels are higher than man Psalm 8:5, Hebrews 2:6-7 Angels are not to be worshipped Colossians 2:18, Revelation 22:8-9 Angels are created and subject to Christ Colossians 1:16, 1 Peter 3:22, Hebrews 1:4-7,13 Angels can sin 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6, Psalm 78:49, Ezekiel 28:16-19, 2 Corinthians 11:14 The place of Angles Revelation 5:11, 7:11 The ministry of Angles – Assigned as guardians – Psalm 34:7, 91:11, Matthew 18:10, Hebrews 1:14 Examples 1 Kings 19:5, Daniel 3:28, 6:22, Matthew 2:13,19, 4:11, 13:41-43, Luke 16:22,22:43, Acts 5:19, 12:7-10 They watch us Ecclesiastes 5:6 1 Corinthians 4:9, Ephesians 3:10, 2 Peter 1:12 Only three Angles are named Gabriel Daniel 8:15, 9:21, Luke 1:19,26 Michael (archangel) Daniel 10:13,21, 12:1-2, Jude 9, 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Lucifer Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28 Angels Coming with Christ at the second coming Matthew 16:27,24:31, 25:31 Mark 8:38,13:27 Luke 9:26, John 1:51, 2 Thessalonians 1:7
Mentioned 12 times The Apostle seeks to atone for his first letter. (which was needed) 2 Corinthians 2:4For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. Forgiveness includes love 2 Corinthians 2:8Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. It’s the Love of Christ in us that should show forth. 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: Love given by the Holy Spirit is real. 2 Corinthians 6:6By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By God’s grace, let your love show forth. 2 Corinthians 8:7-8Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 2 Corinthians 8:24Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf. Let love guide in your giving. 2 Corinthians 9:7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. The apostle states, no matter, he still loves them. 2 Corinthians 11:11Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth. Again He states his love. 2 Corinthians 12:15And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. The Apostles final word to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Mentioned 5 times The Apostle quotes Isaiah 64:4… Yeah, we don’t know what Heaven will be like. 1 Corinthians 2:9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Corinthians were departing from Paul’s teachings so ….. he writes: 1 Corinthians 4:21What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? When a believer love God, it should show. 1 Corinthians 8:3But if any man love God, the same is known of him. Hell awaits for those who don’t believe. 1 Corinthians 16:22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. The Apostles final word to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Witches, Wizards, Witchcraft, Sorcerers, Sorceries, Magicians, Enchanters, Enchantments, Diviners, Divinations, Dreams, Dreamers, Seers, Soothsayer, Astrologers, Stargazers, Prognosticators, Charmer, Necromancer: All are mentioned and dealt with in the Scriptures.
The Pharaoh of Joseph’s time relied on Magicians… Genesis 41:8,24 The Pharaoh of Moses’ time relied on Sorcerers, Magicians, Enchantments… Exodus 7:11,22 8:7,18,19 9:11 The Law condemned Witches to death… Exodus 22:18Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. The Lord God warned against wizards, familiar spirits… Leviticus 19:31 20:6 20:27 Balaam tried to use Divinations and Enchantments against Israel…. Numbers 22:7 23:23 Moses warns Israel against (false) Prophets, Dreamers, Diviners, Enchanters, Witches, Wizards, Charmers and Necromancers, as they go into the promise land… Deuteronomy 13:1-5 18:10-11,14 Israel deals with Balaam Joshua 13:22. Philistines ask diviners for advice 1 Samuel 6:2 Because of Witchcraft Saul rejected as King. 1 Samuel 15:23 Saul expels wizards and those that had familiar spirits. 1 Samuel 28:3 Saul and the woman (witch) that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. 1 Samuel 28:7-25 Jezebel and her witchcrafts 2 Kings 9:22 Israel and Judah do evil turning from the Lord 2 Kings 17:13 21:6 23:24 Manasseh did evil before the Lord 2 Chronicles 33:6 33:18-19 The Psalmist warned against Charmers… Psalm 58:5Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely. Isaiah warned Israel about Soothsayers, Familiar Spirits, Wizards, Seers, Diviners, Sorcerers, Enchantments, Astrologers, Stargazers, and Prognosticators… Isaiah 2:6 8:19 19:3 29:10 30:10 44:25 47:12-13 Jeremiah warned Israel about Diviners, Dreamers, Enchanters, Sorcerers… Jeremiah 14:14 27:9 29:8 Ezekiel warned Israel about Diviners, Divinations…. Ezekiel 12:24 13:6-7 13:23 21:21-23 Daniel, in his service to Babylonian Kings came up against Magicians, Astrologers, Sorcerers, Soothsayers…. Daniel 1:20 2:2 2:10 2:27 4:7 4:9 Daniel 5:7 5:11 5:15 Micah warned of Seers, Diviners, Witchcraft, and Soothsayers… Micah 3:7 5:12 Nahum speaks of Witchcrafts… Nahum 3:4 Zechariah warns of Diviners, False Dreams…. Zechariah 10:2 Malachi mentions Sorcerers… Malachi 3:5
Even the Apostle Peter had to deal with Sorcery… Acts 8:9-11 The Apostle Paul dealt with Barjesus, Sorcerer, false prophet, a Jew…Acts 13:6-8 Again, with a certain damsel with a spirit of divination, soothsaying…Acts 16:16 Jude warns of Dreamers… Jude 1:8 Revelation speaks of Sorcerers and Sorceries…. Revelation 9:21 18:23 21:8 22:15
Mentioned 14 times As the lord Jesus stated in John 3:16, Paul states the LOVE of God is put into the heart of all believers. Romans 5:5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. A restatement of John 3:16: Romans 5:8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We need to trust God in all things, He loves us. Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. We are HIS forever: Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Don’t live defeated lives: Romans 8:37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Is this “Once saved always Saved”? Romans 8:39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. It’s impossible for God to hate, but those who don’t believe will be punished! Romans 9:13As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. Don’t hide your love, exercise it. Romans 12:9-10 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Paul concludes concerning the LAW “ therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:8-10Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. The Apostles Paul’s final words to the Romans should also be ours to each other: Romans 15:30Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
