December 23, 2007
“God’s Love is a Many Splendored Thing!”
(Christ is the greatest Christmas Gift!)
John 3:16
Christmastime is a great time for exploring the wonders of God’s love! John 3:16 "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.
I. God’s love is extreme – “for God so loved”
1. Even human love can be extreme!
“Like waking in the rain and the snow when there’s nowhere to go” 10CC
“Ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough to keep me from you” Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson (sung by Diana Ross)
2. God’s love is MORESO! The Word became FLESH – John 1:14 Mr. Ant illustration
II. God’s love is eternal – “for God so loved” – Jeremiah 31:3
III. God’s love is for everyone – “for God so loved the world”
Red and yellow, black and white they are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world!
IV. God’s love is extravagant – “for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son”
1. Extravagant is a lot like extreme but more specific, God gave His only begotten Son for our salvation –
2. We are saved by Christ’s precious blood – 1 Peter 1:18-19
V. God’s love is a beneficial love – “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.”
1. We need to understand we are under God’s just condemnation – Romans 6:23
2. Heaven is not our default situation, it is not automatic upon death – Matthew 7:13-14
VI. We should remember, study and rejoice in God’s love!
1. We do this when we celebrate the Lord’s Supper
2. We should do this at Christmastime and always
VII. There is a wonderfulness about God’s love that is beyond this world – John 3:3; 3:5; 3:7
1. You must be born again!
2. No matter whom you are – even if you are Nicodemus!
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper – 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
Merry Christmas
