This is Part 9 of Pastor Chuck Bernal’s message series, “Passages That Pump Me Up”. This message explains why it is so important for those of us who are Christians to show the validity of our faith by loving one another - and how our love for one another is a powerful witness to those who don't know Christ. This messsage was delivered at LifePointe Church in Crowley, TX on Sunday, July 26, 2015.

3. The importance of connecting
people in the church cannot be
overemphasized. Relationships
are the glue that holds a
church together.

4. In a recent survey people were
asked, “Why did you join your
church?” 93% said, “I joined
because of the pastor”.

5. When asked, “What if the
pastor leaves, will you leave?”
That same 93% said, “No.
Because I have friends here!”

6. Strong relationships are one of
the keys to a healthy church
and no church will be stronger
than the relationships its people
have with each other.

7. In fact, in the same survey,
400 church dropouts were
asked why they left and 75%
said “Nobody really cared
about me.”

8. The lesson: the church is to be
based in and built on love
and it if isn't,

9. it will never accomplish God’s
purposes in our lives
or in the world.
(Rick Warren)

10. LOVE:
OUR GREATEST
COMMANDMENT

11. The most important
commandment says: You must
love God with all your heart,
soul, mind, and strength.

12. The second most important
commandment says: Love
others as much as you
love yourself.

13. No other commandment is
more important than these.
(Mark 12:30-31 – Contemporary English Version)

14. Loving God and loving
others is the most
important thing in life

15. LOVE:
OUR GREATEST
MESSAGE

16. So I give you a new command:
Love each other deeply and fully.
Remember the ways that I
have loved you,

17. and demonstrate your love for
others in those same ways.
(John 13:34 – The Voice)

18. I’m giving you a new
commandment: Love each other
in the same exact way that I
have loved you.
(John 13:34 – Names Of God Bible)

19. We are to love others
the exact same way
that Jesus love us!

20. Your love for one another will
prove to the world that you
are my disciples.
(John 13:34-35 – The Voice)

21. Everyone will know you as
My followers if you demonstrate
your love to others.
(John 13:35 – The Voice)

22. We show the world
that Christianity is real
by loving others

23. LOVE:
OUR GREATEST
CHALLENGE

24. If you've got it in you,
get along with everybody.
(Romans 12:18 – The Message)

25. If it is possible,
as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone.
(Romans 12:18 – New International Version)

26. With God’s help,
we should try our hardest
to get along with

27. Everyone In
The Family

28. LOVE:
THE 5 C’S OF GREAT
CHURCH RELATIONSHIPS

29. Here’s what I want you to do . . .
pour yourselves out for each
other in acts of love, alert at
noticing differences and quick
at mending fences.

30. You were all called to travel on
the same road and in the same
direction, so stay together, both
outwardly and inwardly . . . What
this adds up to is this:

31. no more lies, no more pretense.
Tell each other the truth. In
Christ’s body we’re all connected
to each other, after all. When
you lie to others,

32. you end up lying to yourself. Go
ahead and be angry —but don’t
use your anger as fuel for
revenge. And don’t stay angry.
Don’t go to bed angry.

33. Don’t give the Devil that kind of
foothold in your life . . . Watch
the way you talk. Let nothing foul
or dirty come out of your mouth.
Say only what helps,

34. each word a gift. Don’t grieve
God. Don’t break his heart . . .
Make a clean break with all
cutting, backbiting, profane talk.
Be gentle with one another,

35. sensitive. Forgive one another
as quickly and thoroughly as
God in Christ forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:3-4, 25-32 – The Message)

36. Commitment
We are a family
no matter what happens

37. Communication
We must be open and
honest with each other

38. Conflict Resolution
We need to forgive
and not hold grudges

39. Compassion
We should always try
and help each other

40. Connection
We will grow stronger
as we grow closer

41. Let’s Pray