Notes of Faith March 14, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

July 22, 2001

“GOD’S PRIMARY GOAL FOR THE BELIEVER”

There are many goals that God has designated for His people. Time would not permit me to elaborate on all of them.

However, I would like to center on one which I consider to be foremost among them all:

I Thessalonians 3:12, 13

. . . and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.

You will note first that it is the Lord who causes us to increase and abound in love toward one another and to all men. Jesus said in John 15:5:

“Without Me you can do nothing.”

Love has always been God’s highest priority on His agenda. Note next that we are to be constantly increasing and abounding in love. Love is never to be static in the life of the Christian. It never plateaus.

How do we increase and abound in love toward one another? Let me suggest two things:

1. Make ways to do it. Be creative in your spiritual love life. Tell other believers you love them. There is power in words (Proverbs 15:1).

2. Think of something that is extremely difficult for you personally then just do it. Go beyond the normal. Make your love evident (Philippians 4:13).

There is something in my life that I’ve had to deal with regarding the increase of God’s love. It wasn’t easy but it was possible and I feel better for it. Search your life. Come up with something that hurts to do. Take it before the Lord. Pray about it then DO it. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

We have a new covenant in Jesus’ blood that by His grace through faith in Him brings forgiveness of our sins, salvation and redemption for eternal life and most precious of all, relationship with God restored in and through Jesus! Sacrifice, forgiveness and love are at the forefront of our new life in Christ. We are to love God with all that we are AND our neighbor as ourselves. I agree with Charles, that we need to do things of love that challenge our old dark hearts and selfish behavior. God promises to make you more like His Son! You will not make yourself more like Jesus but the Father will, the Holy Spirit will. Listen to Him and do what He says…you will be more blessed than ever before!

Pastor Dale