When we are disowned, we are deprived from the basic dignity of our humanity. As bearers of the imago Dei we were made to reflect God’s glory and to belong with him. Ever since Genesis 3, our hearts long to return to him but are unable to do so. In the grip of sin, our hearts reject the very love they desperately need. That’s why Jesus had to come. He came to his own even if his own rejected him because, by God’s grace, the sinful rebellious hearts of those who respond to him in faith can be born again and become what God made us to be, his children.
Sermon Category: English
Navigating the tension ::: Spiritual Bullies
What are the marks of corrupt Christian leadership in the local church faithful believers should resist and confront?
Navigating the tension ::: Simon Says
What are the marks of true Christian leadership in the local church faithful believersshould support and imitate?
Navigating the Tension ::: Unraveling
What do committed followers of Jesus Christ need to do to keep from becoming a casualty of spiritual predators?
Navigating the tension ::: The Strands of our Fellowship
In a world of convenient commitments, how do church members remain faithful to their covenant community when it leads to sacrifice?
True Love Tells ::: Us Doubtlessly, And Unequivocally That We Are Eternally Secure In Christ
God’s victory over the world, sin, and death is the source and ground of our confidence and security. Because we are in the Son, we have been given eternal life, the very life of God flowing through the veins of his Son. This is the greatest treasure of them all. Having Christ, we have everything. He is the true God and eternal life. God’s true love tells his own that they are forever loved, forever safe and alive in Christ.
True Love Tells ::: Us How To Discern The True Life Of God
Not everything that shines is gold, this saying captures the possibility of being deceived by the appearance of things. In the spiritual realm the potential for deception and distractions is an ever-present reality that loving discernment must discern both in matters of faith and practice. Thankfully, the revelation of God through Jesus Christ in the gospel is clear as day and available to all so that we may have a point of reference to keep us tethered to the life of God come what may. It is in the security of God’s love and the love of his people that all fears can be cast away and experience the freedom of living under God’s perfect love.
True Love Tells ::: Not Just The What But The How
Love does not only talk the talk but must also walk the walk. In this passage, John shows that we demonstrate the effectiveness of God’s message when we love each other with our words demonstrated in our works of mutual care and edification, sacrificial service and generosity. All this is only possible because God has welcomed us into the very fabric of the intra-trinitarian outpouring of his presence and love.