The Greek word he uses for love is agape, which speaks of a selfless,
voluntary affection that is divine in origin and revealed most clearly inChrist. This love is essential for our lives and churches. - P150
One pattern that stands out clearly is
that authentic Christian love down-plays the self and attends to the needs of others, seeking to build themup according to God‘s truth. - P150
"The most effective poison to lead us to ruin is to boast in ourselves, in our ownwisdom and willpower." - John Calvin - P150
But God has so designed hu-man beings that we need each other to fulfill our fundamental identityand calling as His people. Only an ongoing, vibrant relationship withJesus makes our unity possible. - P151
The church in Corinth was wounded and sick. Even the most cursoryreading of Paul‘s letter reveals that broken relationships were at theroot of all their problems. - P151
It is easy to be an arms-length Christian-listeninging our Bibles, and practicing spiritual disciplines in the comfort ofour personal prayer closets. - P151
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