Worship & Word: Sunday at Empowerment Temple- with Rev. Dr. Robert Turner

Main message: We need Jesus and the Holy Spirit because true, enduring love and the power to live out our God-given purpose come only through Christ and the Holy Ghost. Without that post‑cross, Spirit‑given love (agape), our promises and emotions remain weak "puppy‑dog" responses that fail when tested.

Key points:

• Acts 1:8 shows the Holy Spirit gives power; you cannot receive that power apart from Jesus.
• Pre‑Spirit or "pre‑cross" love (the speaker calls it "puppy‑dog" love) is emotional and untested and will deny or abandon when trials come.
• Biblical distinction of loves: eros/physical, phileo (brotherly), and agape (unconditional); Christians should aim for agape, which endures suffering and betrayal.
• Peter is used as the cautionary example: his bold pre‑cross promises failed, but after Jesus' resurrection and the Spirit, he could be restored and learn to love rightly.
• Practical counsel: don't rely on or accept mere words of love from those without the Spirit; pray for people to receive the Holy Ghost so they gain the power to love and change.
• Loving like Jesus means serving (e.g., "feed my sheep") through trials and not only celebrating good times.

Scriptures mentioned: Acts 1:8, John 13:37, John 20:22, John 21:17, Psalm 37, 1 Corinthians 13, Romans 7:24