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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart:

1 John 4:17-18, “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

John is describing the nature of perfect love. 

This kind of love not only casts out fear, but it also gives us boldness in the day of judgment. 

There is a reason for our having this boldness: “because as He is, so are we in this world.” 

It does not say “as He was” but “as He is.”

How is He? 

The Lord Jesus has once and for all passed through Calvary, the tomb, and the grave. 

His relationship with the Father can never again be characterized by judgment as the One “smitten by God” on the cross (Isa. 53:4). 

His present relationship with the Father in resurrection is characterized by the eternal flow of love between them. 

Just as He is enjoying this realm of love with the Father, so are we in this world. 

Thus, what characterizes my relationship with God is not judgment, condemnation, or fear, but a sweet rest in the security of that love over me in this world–in my condition–because God loves me just as I am. 

We are enjoying Him and we are with Him, just as the Son is.

Our relationship with the Lord is characterized by love-dealings. 

All our dealings with the Lord are actually love-dealings. 

Everything is love. 

The Lord’s discipline in our lives is a love-dealing; it is altogether characterized by love. 

And now we love Him because He first loved us and rid the atmosphere between us of any torment and fear.

Until Tomorrow 

With a Shepherd’s Love 

Pastor

TODAY’S PRAYER LIST

Amy Garner’s Dad

Charlene Palmer

Dr. Don Davis

Freddie May’s Mom

John McClain 

Kathi Mabe

Rose Fuller

Terrell Loyd

Tom Witcher

Wes Knight

Bentley Smith

James Garner’s Friend 

Kim McClain’s Mother

Lonzo Christian             

Ashley Burn’s Sisters

Bill Moody 

Charlie Sessom – Waiting  

Colby/Connor – Allison’s G’sons 

Greg Payne – Lisa’s Brother

Hanna Hall – Pray for Grace

Kenny & Nora Allison  

Kimberly – Dustin’s Sister  

Larry Barker  

Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah

Mary Sims  

Marynell Ford

Pastor & Mrs. Driskell 

Paula Ferus’ Missionary Friend 

Ricky Stubbs  

Rod Gustafson – Cancer

Roseleigh Osborn  

Scott Lanier – Linda’s Son 

Shaelyn – Jill’s Friend

Sheila Simmon’s Cousin

Tammy Shellnut’s Mother/Dad