Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 167^th Year

A 21^st Century Parish with a 1^st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Pentecost 23
October 23, 2005
Matthew 22:34-40
All or Nothing

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Introduction: In the musical OKLAHOMA! Will tells Annie to love him “all or nothin’. “It’s all or nothin’ with me.” This is a good description not only of God’s love for us but also of His expectations of us in our relationship with Him and with one another. It’s all or nothin’

I.                    God’s total love for you.

A.     It is seen through Bible history.

1.      It is promised in Israel and the covenant.

2.      It is fulfilled in the life of Christ

B.     It is active in your life.

1.      It is applied to you in Baptism

2.      It is proclaimed to you through the Word

3.      It is shared with you in Holy Communion.

II.                 God yearns for all your love – for Himself.

A.     The first commandment is the greatest commandment

B.     We often fail to keep it.

C.     God’s love forgives and strengthens us for better future fulfillment.

III.               God yearns for all your love – for others.

A.     The second great commandment depends on the first.

B.     We also fail to keep this commandment

C.     God and Christ are the source and models for improvement.

+ Soli Deo Gloria +