Loving the LORD - Mark 12:28-30

INTRODUCTION

Loving the LORD is the most important of the commandments.   Jesus gives us six (6) ways we demonstrate our love for the LORD.

1. Know and Obey GOD's Commandments
2. Trust God
3. Put GOD First
4. Be Committed
5. Be Humble
6. Make Time for Prayer

1.  Know and Obey God's Commandments (see Luke 11:28; John 14:21)

• In both scriptures, the words "obey" and "hearing" carry the same idea.  The biblical concept is, what you do should comply with what you heard. Obedienc is the SUPREME DEMONSTRATIVE ACTION of faith in GOD (see 1 Samuel 15:22-24; James 2:14-26)
• The Bible repeatedly calls for believers to OBEY the LORD (ref. Exodus 20:1-17)
• Matthew 7:21, Jesus says that calling on Him is not enough to enter the Kingdom; we must do the will of GOD (see Luke 6:46-49)

2.  Trust In the Lord (see John 14:1; John 6:28, 29)

Those who TRUST in the LORD tend to be the most content, forgiving, kind, generous, and loving - versus those who don't trust GOD tend to be anxiious, cynical, bitter, mean, and unhappy. Not all the time...but a lot of the time.

• Trust in GOD does NOT mean you believe everything will go your way, and it does (or that it entitles you to a trouble-free life)
• Trust in GOD means no matter what happens, you will turn to the LORD in stead of turning away.
• Trust in GOD mean whatever we suffer; ultimately will be for our good.

CONCLUSION

Faith, obedience, and trust in the LORD is not a one and done phenomenom. It is a way of life.  In the end it is up to us.  We must choose to either...

• Trust Us: But humans (people) are NOTORIOUSLY UNRELIABLE
• Trust Fate: Chance
• Trust GOD: Proverb 3:5,6