A Love That Changes Everything
Family, if you remember one thing from Sunday, let it be this: “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 5:5.
I felt that love tangibly in the room this Sunday—the kind of love that steadies your heart, clears the noise, and lifts your head. This is not a vague feeling; it’s God’s personal, present, transforming love. And it’s much more than we think.
“Love always wins the battle no matter what you’re facing.” — Ps Larry
The message today—Much More Love!—is the third in our Legacy Builders series. It’s all about how God’s love moves us from merely coping to reigning. Below is a clear, practical walk-through you can take into your week.
How Do You Walk in Love?
I asked myself that question again this week. The answer from Scripture is simple yet profound: I walk in love because I first receive His love.
When I receive, I overflow. When I behold Jesus, I become more like Him. “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us.” — Ephesians 5:1–2
Two anchors help me practice this daily:
- Remain in His peace. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1 The war is over. Condemnation loses its voice when I remember I’m at peace with God.
- Rely on His presence. “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you… My peace I give to you.” — John 14:18, 27 He’s not visiting; He’s moved in. The Holy Spirit teaches, reminds and steadies my heart.
Five Benefits of Justification (Why His Love Is “Much More”)
I love how Scripture lays it out so simply. Because of Jesus, God’s love is not theoretical; it’s experienced:
1) Peace with God
I start my day knowing I’m not working for acceptance; I’m living from acceptance. Peace keeps me grounded, gentle, and brave. — Romans 5:1
2) Standing in Favour
I’m not hustling for scraps; I’m standing in grace. “Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand.” — Romans 5:2 Favour is my environment—so I ask boldly, expectantly, humbly.
3) Hope of Glory
I don’t carry wishful thinking; I carry a substantial hope backed by God’s character. He’s shaping me to reflect His glory. — Romans 5:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18
4) Joy in Tribulation
I don’t deny the pain, but I refuse to be defined by it. “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance.” — Romans 5:3 Consider Jesus (Hebrews 12:3), focus on growing (Hebrews 12:11), and choose joy (James 1:2).
5) Eternal Security
If God loved me when I was far from Him, how much more now that I’m His? “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 I’m kept by His life, not my effort.
And then come Paul’s five “Much More” statements that shout God’s heart:
- Much more deliverance from wrath. — Romans 5:9
- Much more preservation by His resurrection life. — Romans 5:10–11
- Much more abundant grace. — Romans 5:15
- Much more reigning in life through righteousness. — Romans 5:17
- Much more grace where sin once abounded. — Romans 5:20
This is why we say with confidence: The Love of God breaks the devil’s back. Love always wins!
Church Family Dates You Don’t Want to Miss
- Encounter Weekend — 10–11 October
Set aside a holy space to heal, hear, and be filled. It’s a weekend to let God deal with the stuff behind the scenes and mark your future. - Water Baptism — Sunday, 12 October
Ready to go public with your faith? Baptism is your “Yes” in water—your declaration of identity and discipleship.
- Life Classes — Start Tuesday, 20 August
Eight weeks to establish your faith, strengthen your foundation, and grow in community. As Ps Larry reminded us, we’re never “beyond” the basics—God keeps speaking as we build.
• Watch/Share the message: YouTube Replay — catch the full sermon or share it with someone who needs hope today.
• Find a Small Group: Our Ministries → Small Groups — don’t walk alone; join a circle where you can grow in love.
• Start of the Series: Legacy Builders (Part 1) — get the foundation so Part 3 lands with full power.
• Questions or Next Steps? Contact Us — we’d love to pray with you, help you register, or answer anything on your heart.
Live It This Week: A Simple “Much More Love” Plan
- Morning: Before your day ramps up, pray Romans 5:5 out loud. Invite the Holy Spirit to pour God’s love into your heart afresh.
- Midday: Ask, “Where can I walk in love right now?” Then act: send the text, forgive the slight, encourage the colleague, buy the coffee.
- Evening: Review the day with Jesus. Where did I sense His favour? Where did I choose joy in pressure? What will I do differently tomorrow?
If you’re facing a tough patch, remember Ps Larry’s challenge: consider, focus, laugh. Consider Jesus, focus on growth, and don’t surrender your joy. Your perseverance is building character, and your character is fueling hope—and this hope won’t disappoint. — Romans 5:4–5
A Prayer for the Week
Father, thank You that Your love has been poured into my heart by the Holy Spirit. Today I receive Your peace, I stand in Your favour, and I rejoice in the hope of Your glory. Teach me to walk in love—at home, at work, and in our city. I choose joy in pressure, and I declare that Your grace abounds much more. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Next step: Ready to respond? Register for Encounter Weekend, sign up for Life Classes (20 Aug), and talk to us about Water Baptism (12 Oct) via our Contact page. Let’s be Legacy Builders who live out Much More Love—in our families, our church, and our South Coast community.
