"The Greatest of These is Love"- Bishop John E. Putnam

February 08, 2026

Bishop John E. Putman

In this week’s sermon, Bishop Putnam brings a heartfelt and Spirit-led message titled “The Greatest of These Is Love.” Building upon recent teachings on love, Bishop Putnam dives deeper into the divine nature of agape—the selfless, sacrificial love that defines God Himself. Using Scripture from Mark 12 and 1 Corinthians 13, this message reminds us that while faith and hope remain powerful pillars of the Christian life, the greatest of these is love. Not emotion. Not sentiment. Not romance. But the agape love of God—unearned, unconditional, and transformative. “The Greatest of These Is Love” is both a reminder and a call to action—an invitation to receive afresh the Spirit of God and to let His love shape every interaction, every response, and every relationship. If you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to reflect Christ, this message will encourage you, convict you, and inspire you to pursue the highest virtue heaven offers—the love of God. To hear more about what God is doing in Sheboygan County and beyond, visit us at posc.church!

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Episode Notes

Main Point: Love is not a feeling—it is the very nature of God working inside us through the Holy Ghost. The greatest evidence of spiritual maturity is agape love.

The world spends billions attempting to express love, yet often cannot define it biblically.
Scripture reveals that God is love—not that love is part of God, but that love defines Him.
There are different Greek expressions of love (phileo, eros), but only agape reflects God’s selfless, sacrificial nature.
Agape love is not emotional, sentimental, or seasonal—it is covenantal, consistent, and Spirit-empowered.
Speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of receiving the Spirit, but love is the ongoing evidence of being led by the Spirit.
True Christianity is not proven by noise, talent, or appearance—it is proven by love in action.

Key Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 13:12–13 – “Now abideth faith, hope, charity… but the greatest of these is love.”
Mark 12:29–31 – Love God fully and love your neighbor as yourself.
John 13:35 – “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Romans 5:5 – “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.”
Romans 5:8 – “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Major Themes:

God Is Love: Love is not abstract—it is the character of God revealed in Christ.
Love Must Be Lived: 1 Corinthians 13 is not poetry to admire, but a standard to embody.
Holy Ghost and Love: Agape love flows from being filled with God’s Spirit.
Evidence of Discipleship: Love—not volume, position, or personality—marks a true believer.
Love in Action: From lifting burdens to forgiving offenses, love proves itself through sacrifice.

Reflection Questions:

Does my life reflect agape love, or only emotional affection?
Am I growing in patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness?
Is the Holy Ghost shaping my reactions when I’m provoked or challenged?