As Pastor Brothers continued, Gwen thought of the reunion with life and love that she now had with Allen. She thanked GOD for the second chance with life and with love. She thanked HIM for keeping her strong through all that she has had to deal with in her lifetime. She expressed to GOD that she knew HE was taking care of Jes and thanked HIM for the opportunity to befriend her. Pastor Brothers finished his prayer and soon the ushers were walking around with offering baskets.
Allen reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet so that he could
participate in the procession. As the ushers walked by, he kindly
dropped a twenty-dollar bill into the basket. Gwen noticed and asked if
he gave that much in the offerings at his own church. Allen smiled and
reached for her hand to hold as she replaced her purse in the convenient
empty space under the pew. Pastor Brothers thanked all who were able
to participate in the offering ceremony and for those who couldn't, he
prayed that they would be able to give their offerings next time. The
church choir rose and began to sing Standing In The Need Of Prayer.
As the choir sang, many of the members stood and felt the spirit fill the
church. A few of the members cried as the song reach their hearts.
Many of the members held their hand high in the air giving praise and
opening their hearts to the LORD as they sang along with the choir.
When the choir finished with their selection, Pastor Brothers stood and
began with his sermon.
"Brothers and Sisters, I want to talk to you today about love. If you
will, please turn your bibles with me to the book of John and we will be
looking at the third chapter, sixteenth verse. If you have it say AMEN."
Pastor Brothers stood in silence as he gathered his thoughts and gave
the church members time to find the verse in question.
"As I said, I want to talk to you this morning about love. In John
3:16, it says that GOD so loved the world that he gave his only begotten
son. Now it says more, but I want to focus on just those words for a
moment. Follow me now," Pastor Brothers continued, "it says that GOD
so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. HIS only son he
gave to the world. Now what does that tell you? It tells me that love is
one of the greatest gifts that GOD has ever given.
That love is one of the
strongest virtues in life. I say that because CHRIST is one of the greatest
gifts that the world has been given. In CHRIST we have love from the
FATHER and the ability to give the same love to others as our heavenly
FATHER gave to us through CHRIST. Now hold that thought for a
minute if you will and turn with me to 1st Corinthians the 13:4. When
you have it say AMEN."
Again Pastor Brothers gathered his thoughts as the members followed
his instructions. Seconds later, AMEN was heard around the church as
members awaited his teaching.