Love

This sermon explores 1 Corinthians 12-13, emphasizing that while spiritual gifts are important for building the church, love is the essential ingredient without which nothing can flourish. We see Paul's progression of church growth—outlined in Chapter 12 ... from apostles to prophets to teachers, followed by miracles, healings, and other manifestations—but highlights that all of this requires the "more excellent way" of love. This divine love is not merely romantic affection but a sacrificial, protective, trusting, hopeful, and enduring force modeled by Christ. This love bears (protects and preserves), believes (trusts), hopes (expects promises to be fulfilled), and endures all things. Love is the ultimate manifestation of God's presence on earth and the atmosphere necessary for true revival and church growth.