If you missed our class last week or just want a refresher on what you heard, this is the place to be. 

We are studying Charles Stanley's Discovering Your Identity in Christ. So far we have learned that as Christians, the only real answer to the question "Who are you?" has nothing to do with our hair color or the sports we play or the place we went to school or whether we like puppies and long walks on the beach at sunset. As Christians, the only real answer to the question, "Who are you?" is that we are IN CHRIST.

Then we learned that we are chosen. We talked about how God has chosen us. God first thought of a purpose for us, and then he molded us to fit the need He had in mind.  No one is an accident or a mistake. We are all not designed to be a missionary or minister, but we all have a place in God's plan and we have had it from before we were born. 

This past week we talked about God's Love. Look at 1 John chapter 4, especially as translated in The Message (use BibleGateway.com if you don't have that translation). We all know God loved Christ. Most would agree that God loves us most of the time. But the fact is God cannot stop loving us. We did nothing to deserve God's love and we can do nothing to make Him stop loving us. But we have to remember our part. 

In order to receive God's love we have to accept it. And once we have truly accepted God's love and we can start loving God back, then it will be known as we will have love for everyone. If we say we love God and we do not love our neighbor, the BIble says we are liars!! Ouch. 

I am including a link to a video about a love letter from God. This is right on topic and is based on scriptures. I am also including a link to "Jesus Loves Me" with all the verses. This may be a great thing to use in your Bible study this week. Also, read over 1 John chapter 4 again. 

For next week, pray for Sarah as she starts at Western; pray for Casey has she starts back at Liberty with her first soccer game on 8/16; pray for Kristen S in South Africa and soon to return to UNC. Also, consider Sarah's family as they have some tests and treatmennt going on for cancer. I am sure there are others I am leaving off. 

For homework/time with God read over Chapter 5. Check out the video and lyrics and as you lean into some God lovin', see how it impacts your love for others. 

Links for the week. 

Love Letter from God video

Lyrics to Jesus Loves Me

1 John 4:7-21 The Message translation