Now What? - Week 3
November 23, 2008
Long Hard Road
John 15:9 - 14

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

WALKING THE LONG HARD ROAD

These are steps you can take to cultivate a heart of obedience to God.

1. Live one day at a time.

2. Draw close to other believers.

… Love each other as I have loved you

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John 15:12

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

 

Ecclesiastes 4:12

3. Embrace sacrifice.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13 

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him …" Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
John 14: 21& 23

4. Cultivate a joyful attitude.

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11