Happy Valentine’s Day weekend💌
Some stories sizzle with certainty. Others leave us guessing.
The full story about an imprisoned priest named Valentine in the 3rd century, living somewhere near Rome, is lost in the mists of history. No one knows for sure why the original Valentine was such an inspirational figure.
Fragments of the legend are intriguing:
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The priest insisted on performing Christian weddings even when threatened by pagan Roman authorities to cease.
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His persistence resulted in a lengthy imprisonment under the regime of the Emperor Claudius
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While in prison, the jailer’s daughter kindly sought to help him and became a trusted friend.
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Valentine was subjected to a severe beating and was beheaded on February 14th
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On the day of his execution, he wrote an affectionate letter of encouragement to Julia, signing it “from your Valentine” (or a similar expression)
Later versions of the story included Valentine’s prayer for Julia, a testimony of her healing from blindness and accounts of Valentine having also written letters from his jail cell to members of his congregation, with encouragement and counsel sent lovingly from behind bars.
What parts of the legend are true? Again, no one knows.
Yet, centuries later the need to love and to be loved, is far more profound than any human being can fully express.
This isn’t surprising, of course. But as Valentine’s Day approaches, hundreds of millions of people respond (some of them in a rush to the florist’s shop!) for no other reason than to say “I love you!”
In every age group, in all types of cultures, professions and ethnic groups, celebrations of love spring up like wildflowers. From the silly to the sublime, from courthouses to coffee shops, from hotels to hospitals and in every conceivable corner of society, the bright red heart of a Valentine is instantly recognized.
Cheap substitutes for love are all around us, for sure. But the deep yearning for real love stirs passionate intensity that often leaves people wounded and broken. The need for a love that truly connects one heart to another, a love that conquers obstacles and stays true no matter what pressures it faces, is stronger than ever.
Knowing that and feeling that every day is another reason why God’s gift to each of us in the Gospel is such a treasure to explore. Our definitions for “love” in human experience are all over the map. God’s love, fully made known in the Person of Jesus, humbles and astounds us.
It is an action-oriented love that pours powerful motivation into all those who receive it. His love lifts the lowest of lonely hearts while inspiring awesome acts of sacrificial service in ordinary people.
No single skill needs sharpening more urgently in life than learning how to love well! Action-oriented love is instantly relevant in our world today.
As the Apostle John expressed it for believers living in a very different culture but with the identical needs as those that challenge us today: “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: Not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends: since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (I John 4:9-11)
That’s the story that sizzles with certainty! It’s the one that counts most for all of us. Unfailing love with an unlimited potential to transform relationships is accessible to any thirsty soul.
It’s the energizing truth that releases a receiver (of God’s love) from his or her own selfishness to…. “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us.” (Ephesians 5:2a NIV)
Welcome to you all Sunday morning
Cafe Liberty ☕ in the half hour prior to 10:15 AM Worship 🎵🎹
Your presence and participation are a blessing to all
Looking Ahead…
2/19 Faith Quest Kids Evening on Thursday, February 19th @ 6:30 PM
2/21 Men’s Breakfast/Devotional, prayer and fellowship gathering @ 8:00 AM on Saturday February 21st
3/8 Daily Savings Time begins….Clocks ‘spring forward’🌱⌚
3/15 Communion Sunday
3/22 New members reception (refreshments in Cafe Liberty) after morning service
📰We were blessed to see Dads Works/Moms Works recognized in the February issue of ‘Westminster Living’
See their story on pages 10-11 (attached) and share the news of David and Diane Berry’s ministry to families in Carroll County. 🏠
Links to Liberty livestream
We’re so grateful for our online members and guests and welcome your comments and prayer requests. It’s a joy to hear from you! Reply anytime to this email or by text or phone @ 410.857.4313.
To join Liberty Church on Sundays @ 10:15 AM Eastern Time or at a time that works well for you:
- Live-stream via our Live page
- Live-stream via our Facebook Live page
- Past services on our YouTube channel
- Audio podcasts
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
(Galatians 6:9-10 NIV)
In his love,
Pastor Joe