1. Why is loving God so important?

1.1. It is the prerequisite to going to heaven (i.e. heaven will NOT be filled with people who hated God! Deu 7:9-10; Psa 101:7; Rom 8:28).

1.2. It is one of the keys to faithful obedience and abundant blessings: fear of God and love for God. (Mat 10:28; 2Co 5:14; Eph 6:6; Phi 1:9-11; Exo 20:6; Deu 30:16 = Notice obedience happens bc of love; Deu 11:13; Psa 69:16, 91:1-14, 116:1, 122:6, 145:20; Neh 1:5).

1.3. It is considered the greatest commandment (and therefore the greatest key!) (Mat 22:36-38 = Notice the degree to which we are to love God).

1.4. It is critical to understanding trials (i.e. God brings trials to test our love for Him; Deu 13:1-3; 1Th 2:4).

1.5. It is also the secret to boldness or possessing a backbone in ministry (1Ti 1:3-5).