Love's Train Sermon Notes Part...4 of 4

Hosea 3 (New Living Translation) "Then the Lord said to me, “Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the Lord still loves Israel, even though the people have turned to other gods and love to worship them.”² So I bought her back for fifteen pieces of silver and five bushels of barley and a measure of wine. ³ Then I said to her, “You must live in my house for many days and stop your prostitution. During this time, you will not have sexual relations with anyone, not even with me.”
⁴ This shows that Israel will go a long time without a king or prince, and without sacrifices, sacred pillars, priests, or even idols! ⁵ But afterward the people will return and devote themselves to the Lord their God and to David’s descendant, their king. In the last days, they will tremble in awe of the Lord and of his goodness."

Introduction: Love will cause you to behave in a manner that's errant to your pre-love declarations.
Hip-hop is a culture that has it's own sound and style. It's the popular culture, that has transcended race and is the chief unifier of modern society.

Transition: Our relationship with God isn't quite as tumultuous as the cast of the reality show, Love & Hip-hop but it is reminiscent of an old school hip-hop song. A smooth bass line, a catchy hook, dope lyrics and a feel that transcends time. You don't grow out of this relationship, you mature into it.

Exposition: Let's explore how love relates to hip-hop in three facets...

1) Just like a hip-hop song, love is sometimes senseless...verse 1
Love will have you in a relationship with a perpetual screw-up, that has no intentions of behaving. God is admonishing us to keep our hearts open if you're serious about loving the one you're with.

2) Love is always sacrificial, just like a good singer/writer gives up time to enhance their talent...verses 2-3
What are you willing to give up, to make your relationship work? Things that top this long list are money, possessions, space and sex.

3) Once love has reached a quintessential state (like when a song sounds and feels just right) don't pervert perfection because it's sacred...verses 4-5
Before you engage in delving into and developing other relationships, you must first focus on the one you're already in! Love should be a serious bond that's inclusive of reverential respect.

***Video Clip: Brown Suga (On Air Love Confession...When Did You Fall In Love With Hip-Hop?)