Bible Message/Preaching : God's Love - The Greatest Gift
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"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (JN 3:16)
What does comes to our mind when we think of Gifts?
Can you remember a precious gift that you cherished much?
2The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. 6For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Is 9:2,6-7)
8Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
10Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12"And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." (Lk 2:8-12)
What contrast do we see at the birth of Jesus - Who He is and Who He came as?
4But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Eph 2:4-9)
Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
How do we see the depth of God's love towards us?
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. (1 Jn 4:17-19 )
4Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Cor 13:4-7)
Sacrifice of love - Mk 14:36 And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will."
What is the significance of "laid in a manger"?
Manger - place where the food is laid for the cattle
Figuratively, we nee do feed on Jesus! - Jn 6:48"I am the bread of life
Jn 6:51 "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." Jesus couldn't choose at His birth, but His parents placed him!
We have to assimilate the food and it become part of our body! That is being one with Jesus!
The food now a days - psychology, politics, latest trend...... but we need to focus on Jesus.
Food - as we grow the food change, if not we won't grow!
The baby do not like the change of food, but its mother force so that it will get used to it, we need to learn to have mature food. Food is to do the will of God!! Jn 4:34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
The lord give sometimes uncomfortable experiences for us, just to make us grow.
His strategy is to build us up to the real thing - our ultimate purpose, whether we attain it depend on our co-operation with the Spirit of the Lord.
Representatives of the Prince of peace!
Mt 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
2 Cor 5:18-19 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Meditation:
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