Summary

Pastor David Burchfield challenges the congregation to grow more in love with Jesus as they enter 2026. He emphasizes that while salvation is a free gift from God, true love for Jesus should be demonstrated through action, just as love is shown in marriage through daily choices and sacrifices. The message focuses on three key areas: understanding why we should love Jesus (because of His sacrifice for our sins), evaluating how we're currently doing in loving Jesus (through our actions and time spent with Him), and committing to specific ways to love Jesus more in the coming year.

Intro Prayer

Father God, we thank You for gathering us together today and for Your incredible love and grace in our lives. As we open Your Word and our hearts, we ask that You would speak to each of us individually about what You want us to learn and apply. Help us to be open and receptive to Your Holy Spirit's leading, and show us how we can grow deeper in our love for Jesus. Prepare our hearts to receive what You have for us today. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one New Year's resolution you've made in the past that you actually kept, or one that you're considering for 2026?

Key Verses

1. Romans 3:23
2. Romans 6:23
3. John 3:16-18
4. John 14:15
5. John 14:21
6. James 2:19-20
7. Matthew 22:37-39
8. Matthew 28:19-20

Questions

1. David shared that 'love is an action verb.' How do you see this principle playing out in your relationship with Jesus compared to other important relationships in your life?
2. When you think about all that Jesus has done for you (forgiveness, eternal life, removing your sins 'as far as the east is from the west'), what is your natural response?
3. David mentioned that sometimes our time with God can become like a checklist rather than genuine relationship. Have you experienced this? How can we guard against it?
4. The sermon referenced Revelation 2:4 about forsaking our 'first love.' What do you think it means to maintain that 'first love' for Jesus over time?
5. David shared personal examples from his marriage to illustrate love in action. What are some practical ways you could demonstrate your love for Jesus in your daily life?
6. When it comes to sharing Jesus with others, what fears or hesitations do you have? How do the verses about God not giving us a spirit of fear speak to those concerns?
7. Of the three challenges presented (sharing Jesus more, spending more time in prayer, reading God's Word more), which one feels most challenging to you and why?
8. How might spending significantly more time reading about Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) change your relationship with Him?

Life Application

Choose one of the three challenges from the sermon and commit to it for the coming week: 1) Pray for God to lead you to someone you can share Jesus with, 2) Add 10 minutes of prayer to your daily routine, or 3) Read one additional chapter from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John each day. Share your choice with someone who can help keep you accountable.

Key Takeaways

1. We should love Jesus because He paid the price for our sins and offers us eternal life as a free gift
2. True love for Jesus is demonstrated through our actions and the time we spend with Him, not just our beliefs
3. Love is an action verb - just as in marriage, loving Jesus requires intentional daily choices and sacrifices
4. We are called to share Jesus with others, spend more time in prayer, and read God's Word more consistently
5. Time is short, and we should prioritize growing closer to Jesus as our highest priority

Ending Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incredible love demonstrated through Jesus Christ. Thank You that You don't count our sins against us and that You've made us new creations in Christ. As we leave this place today, help us to live out our love for Jesus through our actions. Give us courage to share Your love with others, discipline to spend more time with You in prayer and Your Word, and hearts that are always growing more in love with Jesus. Help us to make the most of the time we have left on this earth to serve You and love You well. We commit our plans and resolutions to You, knowing that You will provide the strength we need. In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen.