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

Main message: We need Jesus because only through him and the Holy Spirit do we receive the power to love rightly (agape), which enables faithful, enduring relationships and ultimately fuels God-given purpose.

Key points:

• Acts 1:8: the Holy Spirit gives power, but you must have Jesus first to receive that Spirit.
• Pre‑Spirit "puppy‑dog" or pre‑cross love (illustrated by Peter's boast and denial) is shallow and fails under testing.
• The Holy Spirit transforms our ability to love from mere affection (fileo/eros) into agape—self‑giving, patient, enduring love (1 Corinthians 13).
• Rather than judging those who claim love but lack the power to live it out, pray that they receive the Holy Spirit so they can love and change.
• True love shows itself in obedience and care (Jesus' "feed my sheep") and is necessary before one can rightly discover and fulfill purpose.

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