Embracing and Sharing God's Boundless Love

 

Summary

The essence of today's gathering is the profound and boundless love of God, as encapsulated in John 3:16. This love is the foundation of our faith, a love that is sacrificial, generous, and eternal. It is a love that does not depend on our actions or behaviors but is rooted in God's very nature. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that God's love is not like human love, which can be conditional and changeable. Instead, God's love is constant and unchanging, a love that was demonstrated through the ultimate sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

This love is not limited to a select few but is extended to the entire world, encompassing every person, nation, tribe, and tongue. It is a love that reaches out to both the saint and the sinner, offering grace, mercy, and forgiveness to all who turn to Him. The purpose of this divine love is redemption, to bring us into a relationship with God that transforms our lives and secures our eternity.

As we navigate our daily lives, we are called to be conduits of this love, sharing it with those around us. Whether in our communities, workplaces, or even in unexpected encounters, we have the opportunity to reflect God's love to a world that is often dark and in need of hope. Our mission is to live in such a way that others see and hear the love of Jesus through our words and actions, pointing them to the salvation and eternal life that God offers.

In embracing this love, we are encouraged to reach out to others, to be intentional in our efforts to share the gospel, and to let God's love be the foundation of how we live and interact with others. As we do so, we fulfill our calling as Christians to be a light in the world, drawing others to the amazing love of God.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Depth of God's Love: God's love is unconditional and unchanging. Unlike human love, which can be fickle and dependent on circumstances, God's love is constant and not based on our performance. This love is sacrificial, as demonstrated by the giving of His only Son for our salvation. [50:45]

2. The Breadth of God's Love: God's love is for everyone, transcending all boundaries of race, nationality, and social status. It is a love that embraces both the saint and the sinner, offering grace and mercy to all who turn to Him. This universal love challenges us to love others as God loves us. [58:14]

3. The Purpose of God's Love: The ultimate purpose of God's love is redemption. Through His love, God desires to bring us into a relationship with Him that transforms our lives and secures our eternity. This love calls us to repentance and leads to salvation. [01:03:13]

4. Living Out God's Love: As recipients of God's love, we are called to share it with others. Our lives should reflect the love of Jesus, and we should be intentional in our efforts to share the gospel with those around us. This mission is vital as people are in need of hope and salvation. [01:09:34]

5. The Urgency of Sharing God's Love: Every day, people slip into eternity, and it is our responsibility to ensure they know the love of God. We must live in such a way that others see and hear the love of Jesus, pointing them to the salvation and eternal life that God offers. [01:10:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:35] - Opening Remarks and Announcements
- [05:00] - Introduction to God's Love
- [10:15] - Personal Story and Reflection
- [15:30] - Criticism and Response
- [20:45] - The Foundation of God's Love
- [25:00] - The Depth of God's Love
- [30:15] - The Breadth of God's Love
- [35:00] - The Purpose of God's Love
- [40:00] - Living Out God's Love
- [45:15] - The Urgency of Sharing God's Love
- [50:00] - Personal Testimonies and Encounters
- [55:30] - Call to Action and Invitation
- [01:00:00] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Profound Love of God

Bible Reading:
- John 3:16

---

Observation Questions:

1. According to John 3:16, what is the purpose of God giving His only Son? How does this reflect the nature of God's love? [40:42]

2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned that God's love is not like human love. What are some characteristics of God's love that make it different from human love? [50:45]

3. The sermon emphasized the breadth of God's love. Who does God's love extend to, according to the pastor's message? [58:14]

4. How did the pastor illustrate the depth of God's love through personal stories or examples? [53:37]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. The pastor mentioned that God's love is sacrificial, as demonstrated by the giving of His only Son. How does this sacrificial aspect of God's love challenge our understanding of love in our own lives? [52:36]

2. Reflecting on the pastor's story about the criticism he received for sharing God's love publicly, what does this reveal about the challenges of living out God's love in today's world? [40:42]

3. The sermon highlighted that God's love is for everyone, including those we might disagree with or dislike. How can this understanding of God's love influence our interactions with others? [58:14]

4. The pastor spoke about the purpose of God's love being redemption. How does this purpose shape the way we view our relationship with God and our mission as Christians? [01:03:13]

---

Application Questions:

1. The pastor shared a story about holding a sign that said "God loves you" and the mixed reactions he received. How can you be more intentional in sharing God's love in your community, even if it means facing criticism? [40:42]

2. God's love is described as unconditional and unchanging. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of love. How can embracing God's constant love change your perspective on self-worth? [50:45]

3. The sermon emphasized the urgency of sharing God's love because people are slipping into eternity every day. Identify one person in your life who may not know about God's love. What steps can you take this week to share the gospel with them? [01:10:27]

4. The pastor mentioned that God's love is for everyone, including those we might find difficult to love. Think of someone you struggle to love. What practical steps can you take to show them God's love this week? [58:14]

5. Reflect on the pastor's encouragement to be conduits of God's love in our daily lives. What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate God's love in your workplace or community? [01:09:34]

6. The pastor shared a personal story about praying for strangers in a hospital. How can you be more open to unexpected opportunities to show God's love to those around you? [01:07:03]

7. Consider the pastor's message about the purpose of God's love being redemption. How can this understanding motivate you to live a life that points others to the salvation and eternal life that God offers? [01:03:13]

Devotional

Day 1: The Unconditional Nature of God's Love
God's love is a profound mystery that transcends human understanding. Unlike human love, which often depends on circumstances and conditions, God's love is steadfast and unwavering. It is a love that is not earned by our actions or behaviors but is freely given because it is rooted in God's very nature. This love was most powerfully demonstrated through the sacrificial act of giving His only Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. This act of love is a testament to the depth and commitment of God's love for humanity, a love that remains constant regardless of our shortcomings. [50:45]

"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's unconditional love in your life, and how can you extend that same love to someone who may not deserve it today?


Day 2: The Inclusivity of God's Love
God's love knows no boundaries and is extended to every person, regardless of race, nationality, or social status. It is a love that embraces both the saint and the sinner, offering grace and mercy to all who turn to Him. This universal love challenges us to love others as God loves us, breaking down barriers and reaching out to those who are different from us. It is a call to action to reflect God's love in our interactions with others, showing kindness and compassion to everyone we encounter. [58:14]

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life might you be overlooking or excluding from your love? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week to demonstrate God's inclusive love?


Day 3: The Transformative Purpose of God's Love
The ultimate purpose of God's love is redemption. Through His love, God desires to bring us into a relationship with Him that transforms our lives and secures our eternity. This love calls us to repentance and leads to salvation, offering us a new identity and purpose. As we embrace this love, we are invited to experience a profound transformation that impacts every aspect of our lives, from our thoughts and actions to our relationships and priorities. [01:03:13]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What area of your life is in need of transformation through God's love, and what steps can you take today to allow His love to bring about that change?


Day 4: The Call to Reflect God's Love
As recipients of God's love, we are called to share it with others. Our lives should reflect the love of Jesus, and we should be intentional in our efforts to share the gospel with those around us. This mission is vital as people are in need of hope and salvation. By living out God's love in our daily interactions, we become conduits of His grace and truth, pointing others to the salvation and eternal life that God offers. [01:09:34]

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally demonstrate God's love to someone in your community or workplace today, and what impact do you hope it will have on them?


Day 5: The Urgency of Sharing God's Love
Every day, people slip into eternity, and it is our responsibility to ensure they know the love of God. We must live in such a way that others see and hear the love of Jesus, pointing them to the salvation and eternal life that God offers. This urgency compels us to be proactive in sharing the gospel, recognizing that the time to act is now. By living with this sense of urgency, we fulfill our calling as Christians to be a light in the world, drawing others to the amazing love of God. [01:10:27]

"Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to share God's love with someone who does not yet know Him, and how can you make the most of the opportunities you have to do so?

Quotes


I hope that you are consumed more than ever of the amazing love that God has for you. I want you to open up your Bibles if you would to the book of John chapter 3 verse number 16 that is our foundational thought for the first of several messages over the next few weeks where we are going to talk about the amazing love for God. [00:35:49]

I do in fact believe that God does love me. I do in fact believe that it is a good thing to tell others that God loves them. Now you do need to explain to them that God does hate sin. You do need to explain to them that what God did to show his love for them and once they realize the love that God has for them and what he did to demonstrate his love for them that should produce repentance in their lives and hopefully salvation will come as a result of it. [00:40:42]

The Bible says this for God so loved the world in this way he gave his one and only son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life. We have sung about it this morning. We've watched a video about it this morning. We have read this text this morning. I want to talk to you church about this simple truth. The foundation. Of God's love. [00:42:49]

And my prayer is this that this verse of scripture although I would say it's the most quoted. We see it written places. I don't know why people feel led to write John 3 16 on bathroom stalls. They do it in men's room at truck stops. I don't know why. I don't know if they do that in the ladies room or if it's just a thing men do. They spray paint it on the side of trash cans. I don't know if that's really spreading the gospel. They hold it up at sporting events. John 3 16 on poster board. We all know it. [00:42:55]

But do we realize the impact of it. That's what I hope to address this morning and I hope it's a blessing to you. Pray with me if you would. heavenly father lord god we thank you for this day lord we thank you for your goodness and god i thank you for the amazing love that you have for me lord it was that love that caused you to send jesus to die on the cross for my sin for our sin it was that love that caused you to allow him to come back three days later victorious over death hell in the grave lord we serve a risen savior this morning we don't serve a dead savior we serve a risen savior and he rose for us god that ought to make us happy this morning god i pray that you would help us to realize the foundation of god's love and lord that love would cause us to love you more and serve you more and to show and share the love of jesus with everyone we can. [00:48:15]

Church, if God was not a God that loved you we would not have salvation as we know it today. It is through his love that we have salvation it is through his love that we have peace and joy and happiness and grace and mercy and all of these things that we get to know about the love of god and so that is our overarching thought all year long it's the foundation on which everything else is built we have this because god loves us and what an amazing love it is it's the one thing that defines us as christians and it's the love of god people ought to be able to see and i say ought to because we don't always do a good job of showing it people ought to see the love of christ in you they ought to see it it ought to be a changeable thing that people can tell you're different and listen being different is good. [00:50:07]

God loves you period. We don't ever usually say I love you period. We usually say I love you because because that's the kind of love we're conditioned to know people do something for us and we love them because they do it people say something nice about us and we love them because they say say something nice about it. People bring something, do a gift or something like that. I appreciate so very much. [00:54:07]

His love for you doesn't depend. It is not hinged. It is not attached to your performance or your behavior. He already loves you. What an amazing thing to think about. Josh is going to put this verse on the screen. I want you to just read it with me even though I know you know it. John chapter 3 verse 16. Read it. For God so loved the world in this way He gave His one and only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. Church, that is the simplest, easiest, most truest thing. I believe everything else in Scripture rests on that one verse. [00:54:49]

Three simple things I want you to know and we'll be done. First, I want you to know the depth of God's love. Again, God's love is not like human love. His love is not conditional. His love is not changing. You know, it's amazing to me how our love can change. [00:59:58]

Right now, God could not love you any more than He already loves you. Do you realize that? There's never been a day in your life where God loves you any less than He loves you right now. And there is nothing that you can do that will cause God to love you any more than He already loves you. Everyone else allows our love to be based upon our performance. We have a performance -driven love. Well, I tell you what, I'd love you more if you would just do this. We think that way. [01:01:45]

God loves us because it is in His own nature to love. The Word of God says in 1st John chapter 4 verse 8 says, God is love. Church, it's who He is. He's love. Everything about love, the true wonderful, agape love, that's who God is and He loves you very, very deeply. [01:02:32]

God loved us so much that he gave his very best for us, his one and only son. Church, that's the depth of God's love. I've tried to put my mind into that attitude of loving someone unconditionally. [01:03:19]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 15, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?