Let's get into the Word of God. Can't wait, really looking forward to what the Lord has for us today.

1 Corinthians chapter 13. Wow, we're off to a great start, yeah.

Versus 1 through 3 will be our text today. And as you can probably tell, I don't want to hurry

through this great chapter. So once you find your way there, if you wouldn't mind, please

stand. If you're able, I'll ask you to follow along as I read. The Apostle Paul is writing

by the Holy Spirit. In verse 1, he says, if I speak in the tongues of men or of angels,

but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol. If, verse 2, I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries

and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love,

I am nothing. If, verse 3, I give all I possess to the poor,

and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Let's pray. Lord, thank you for your word. Thank you for this

famous chapter really that we have open before us here in your word. Lord, we need for your Holy Spirit to give us eyes to see, ears to hear,

and hearts to receive that which you have for us today. For if you don't do that, then our time together in your word will be a complete

waste of time. And I would venture to say and pray that there's not a one of us here today

that wants that to happen. So Lord, will you speak into our lives through your word we pray.

In Jesus' name, amen. You can be seated. Thank you.

Today's teaching is going to be part one of a new series I've titled Love, the Most Excellent Way.

The text that we have open before us this morning is arguably one of the most, if not the most,

popular and well-known passages in all of the Bible.

And for both Christians as well as those who are not Christians alike,

1 Corinthians 13 has come to affectionately be known as the love chapter.

How many of us have been at a wedding where this chapter has been read as part of the wedding

ceremony.

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