Embracing God's Love: The Fullness of Life in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Relentless Pursuit of the Lost

God’s love is demonstrated in His relentless pursuit of those who are lost, as seen in the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. No matter how far someone has wandered, God seeks them out with compassion and joy, rejoicing over every sinner who repents. This is not a passive love, but an active, searching love that refuses to give up on anyone. Just as a shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one, and a woman searches her house for a lost coin, so God searches for each of us, longing to bring us home and celebrate our return. [26:08]

Luke 15:3-10 (ESV)
So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Reflection: Who in your life feels “lost” or far from God? How can you reflect God’s pursuing love to them this week, whether through prayer, encouragement, or a simple act of kindness?

Day 2: God’s Love Shown Through Jesus’ Sacrifice

God does not merely say He loves us—He proves it by sending Jesus to die for us while we were still sinners. This sacrificial love is not based on our worthiness or our ability to earn it, but on God’s own character and mercy. Even when we deserved punishment, God chose to act in love, sending His Son to bear our sins and rise again, defeating death for us. This is the ultimate demonstration of love: not just words, but action, and not just for the righteous, but for all. [29:27]

Romans 5:8 (ESV)
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Reflection: In what specific way can you show sacrificial love to someone today, even if they haven’t “earned” it or may not deserve it in your eyes?

Day 3: The Fullness of Life Is Found in Christ, Not in Earthly Success

True fullness of life is not found in wealth, status, relationships, or achievements, but in hearing Jesus’ word and believing in the One who sent Him. Eternal life is not a distant future hope, but a present reality for those who trust in Christ. This life is marked by peace, purpose, and the assurance that our value is rooted in God’s love, not in what we accomplish or possess. The world may chase after many things, but only faith in Jesus brings the fullness of life that endures beyond this world. [39:17]

John 5:24 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”

Reflection: What is one area where you are tempted to seek fulfillment apart from Christ? How can you intentionally shift your focus to the fullness of life He offers?

Day 4: No Condemnation for Those in Christ

For those who trust in Jesus, there is no condemnation or judgment. God sees you clothed in the righteousness of Christ, not defined by your failures or sins. The accuser may remind you of your shortcomings, but Jesus stands as your advocate, declaring you “not guilty” because of His finished work on the cross. You can live each day in the freedom and peace of knowing you are forgiven, accepted, and secure in God’s love, no longer under the shadow of judgment. [46:16]

Romans 8:1 (ESV)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Is there a past sin or failure that still makes you feel condemned? What would it look like to truly accept Christ’s “not guilty” verdict over your life today?

Day 5: Living with Eternity as the Goal

The ultimate goal of life is not earthly success, but to know Christ, make Him known, and run the race faithfully to the end, receiving the crown of everlasting life. Life is fragile and fleeting compared to eternity, and every day is an opportunity to prepare for the life to come by growing in Christ and sharing His love with others. Let your life be “used up” for God’s purposes, keeping your eyes on the eternal reward and living with hope, courage, and faithfulness, no matter what comes. [51:22]

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can “press on toward the goal” of knowing Christ and making Him known this week, even in the midst of life’s distractions or hardships?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered in the presence of the Triune God, confessing our sins and receiving the assurance of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We were reminded that God’s love is not just spoken, but demonstrated—He sent His Son to rescue us, not because we deserved it, but because of His boundless mercy. Like a loving parent who not only says “I love you” but shows it through care and sacrifice, God’s love is proven in the cross and resurrection of Jesus. We are the lost sheep, sought out and carried home by the Good Shepherd, who rejoices over every sinner who repents.

In a week marked by tragedy and sorrow, we reflected on the brokenness of our world and the emptiness of a life lived apart from God. The fullness of life is not found in success, wealth, or recognition, but in hearing the words of Jesus, believing in the One who sent Him, and receiving the gift of eternal life. This eternal life is not a distant hope, but a present reality for all who trust in Christ. It is a life that begins now, rooted in the assurance that we are forgiven, loved, and secure in God’s hands.

We considered the profound truth that, in Christ, we do not come into judgment. The verdict over our lives is “not guilty,” not because of our own righteousness, but because Jesus has paid the price for our sins. We have crossed over from death to life, and nothing can snatch us from the Father’s hand. The goal of our lives is not to accumulate achievements or possessions, but to be faithful to Christ, to know Him, and to make Him known. The legacy of those who have gone before us, like our brother Charlie Kirk, is a testimony to a life poured out for Jesus—a life that points beyond itself to the hope of eternity.

As we sang, prayed, and confessed our faith, we were called to remember the brevity of this life and the incomparable promise of the life to come. In the face of suffering and loss, we cling to the hope that is ours in Christ, and we are sent out to share that hope with a world in desperate need. This is the fullness of life: to be found, forgiven, and forever loved by God.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Love Is Both Spoken and Demonstrated God does not merely tell us He loves us; He shows it in the most profound way by sending Jesus to live, die, and rise for us. Like a parent who continually cares for their child, God’s actions confirm His words. Even when we were lost and undeserving, He sought us out and brought us home. This love is relentless and unconditional, inviting us to rest in its assurance. [28:07]
2. Fullness of Life Is Found in Christ, Not in the World’s Offerings The world tempts us to seek fulfillment in success, wealth, relationships, or recognition, but these things cannot satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. True fullness of life is found in hearing Jesus’ words, believing in the Father who sent Him, and receiving the gift of eternal life. This life is not measured by what we achieve or possess, but by our relationship with Christ, which begins now and lasts forever. [37:35]
3. Eternal Life Begins Now and Is Rooted in God’s Grace Eternal life is not just a future promise; it is a present reality for those who trust in Jesus. Through faith, we are already ushered into the life of God, secure in His love and destined for His presence. This assurance transforms how we face suffering, loss, and even death, knowing that our ultimate “promotion” is to be with the Lord forever. [41:55]
4. In Christ, There Is No Condemnation—Only Freedom and Security Many live under the weight of guilt and fear of judgment, but in Christ, the verdict is “not guilty.” Jesus stands as our advocate, having paid the full penalty for our sins, so that we are clothed in His righteousness. This freedom from condemnation empowers us to live boldly and joyfully as children of God, confident that nothing can separate us from His love. [46:16]
5. The Goal of Life Is Faithfulness to Christ and the Hope of Eternity All earthly achievements and possessions are fleeting compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and being known by Him. Our calling is to run the race with perseverance, to be used up for God’s purposes, and to prepare for the life to come. The legacy we leave is not in what we accumulate, but in how we point others to Jesus and the hope of eternal life.

** [51:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Confession and Absolution
[03:10] - Prayers for Peace and Unity
[07:30] - Opening Prayer: The Good Shepherd
[15:52] - Kyrie and Prayers for the Church
[24:49] - Gospel Reading: Luke 15
[26:52] - Children’s Message: How God Shows Love
[29:27] - Jesus’ Sacrifice and Resurrection
[36:56] - Reflecting on Tragedy and the Fullness of Life
[39:17] - Hearing and Believing the Word
[41:55] - Eternal Life Begins Now
[43:23] - The Ultimate Promotion: Life with God
[46:16] - No Condemnation in Christ
[49:31] - Faith in Christ: The Only Foundation
[51:22] - The Goal of Life: Faithfulness and Eternity
[52:17] - Preparing for Eternity and Mission
[66:38] - Communion and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 5:24 (ESV) — > Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Luke 15:1-7 (ESV) — > Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Observation Questions

In John 5:24, what does Jesus say is required to have eternal life? What does He promise to those who hear and believe?
According to Luke 15:1-7, what actions does the shepherd take when one sheep is lost? What is the response when the lost sheep is found?
The sermon compared God’s love to a parent’s love. What are some ways the sermon described how God shows His love, not just says it? ([28:07])
What does the sermon say is the “verdict” for those who are in Christ, and why? ([46:16])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that eternal life “begins now” for those who trust in Jesus. What does it mean for eternal life to be a present reality, not just a future hope? ([41:55])
The parable of the lost sheep shows God’s heart for the lost. How does this shape the way we see ourselves and others who are far from God? ([25:33])
The pastor said that many people live under the weight of guilt and fear of judgment, but in Christ, the verdict is “not guilty.” How might this truth change the way someone approaches God or lives day to day? ([46:16])
The sermon mentioned that the goal of life is not achievements or possessions, but faithfulness to Christ. How does this challenge common ideas about what makes life meaningful? ([51:22])

Application Questions

The sermon said God’s love is both spoken and demonstrated, like a parent who cares for their child. In your own life, how have you experienced God’s love in action, not just in words? ([28:07])
The world offers many things to chase after—success, wealth, recognition. Is there something you are tempted to look to for “fullness of life” besides Christ? How can you shift your focus this week? ([37:35])
Eternal life is described as starting now, not just after we die. What would it look like for you to live with the confidence and security that you already have eternal life? ([41:55])
The sermon said that in Christ, there is no condemnation—only freedom and security. Are there areas where you still feel weighed down by guilt or fear? What would it look like to bring those to Jesus and rest in His forgiveness? ([46:16])
The pastor shared about Charlie Kirk’s legacy—a life poured out for Jesus and others. What kind of legacy do you want to leave? What is one step you can take this week to point others to Jesus? ([51:22])
In times of suffering or loss, the sermon encouraged us to cling to the hope we have in Christ. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to remember this hope? How can your group pray for you? ([43:23])
The sermon called us to share the hope of Christ with a world in need. Who is one person in your life who needs to hear or see the love of Jesus? How can you reach out to them this week? ([52:17])

Sermon Clips

This week has been a rough week. I mean not only what happened at Evergreen but obviously the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Many of us were touched to the core and shed a lot of tears this week over what happened. What's happening in our country. And as I think about all these horrible and horrific things that have happened in the history of the world. Not only in the history of America. You think about the bombing of many places down through the years. You think about what happened at 9 -11. You think about Adolf Hitler and what he did to the Jews during that time. You think about what happened at Anglewood High School. What happened to Charlie Kirk. And I think about that and there is one common denominator. Do you know what it is? Those people don't have the fullness of life. [00:36:27]

And the fullness of life is not making a lot of money or being a success. Or having deep relationships. Or finding a lot of joy. Or you know finding your security and entertainment. Or being a great sports fan. Or accumulating a lot of wealth. And like I said before just being successful in your career. Climbing the corporate ladder. Having respect and dignity from other people. That is not the fullness of life. So what is? [00:37:40]

The first thing Jesus says here is, whoever hears my word. And he's not talking just about what he said, but he's also talking about the Old Testament and talking about the words of conviction that convict us of sin and lead us to the cradle, cross, and empty tomb of our Lord Jesus. He speaks the word of law that judges our hearts. We realize we're guilty in the eyes of God. We understand we fall incredibly short of what God has given us through his son. We don't measure up to the standard of God's word. This word that Jesus speaks, showing us our sin, convicts us of our sin. But not only that, the word points to the coming Messiah. [00:38:48]

And so basically he was saying, whoever hears the word, the word that I speak, that convicts you of sin and leads you to who I am, Jesus is saying, listen to that word. Be a sheep of the good shepherd. Follow the voice of the good shepherd and listen to that word. Listen to that voice. [00:39:42]

So Jesus is saying, whoever hears my word, and I've got to ask you today, have you heard the word of Jesus? Do you believe that he's the son of God? Are you convicted of sin? And do you understand that you're saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone? This is the word. [00:39:59]

Because he loves us so much. Because he realizes we needed a savior. And so he has a conversation with Jesus and says, they need to be saved. They need to have eternal life. And son, this is what I want you to do. I want you to go to that earth. I want you to live a life that they can't live. I want you to die on a cross to pay for their sins. And then I want you to rise again from the dead. And I will cause that to happen. I'm going to dispatch you to planet earth. [00:40:45]

The reason you're going to spend eternity with the Lord in heaven someday. And that eternal life, by the way, starts right now. The reason you're going to spend eternity with the Lord someday is because of Jesus' death and resurrection. Not because we've earned it. Not because we deserve it. Not because we've done good things and avoided wrong things. We are sinners through and through. But all those who trust in Christ have eternal life. And as I said before, that eternal life starts when? Right now. [00:41:51]

Now, you think about the words eternal life. When people have had a rough life, let's say they were brought up in a single parent home, or let's say that their parents were alcoholics, or let's say that, you know, things went wrong in their life, or they lost a loved one, or they lost their job, or things didn't go right in their life, or they looked at world events and they said, oh my goodness, this is a rough life. Who would ever want to live forever? Because my life down here is not easy. My life down here is difficult. But listen to me now, because you guys know this, and I preach this all the time. Our life does not consist in the abundance of possessions, nor the here and now alone. Because we know a better day is coming, and we know that when we die on this planet, we're ushered into the presence of God forever, that we truly do get a promotion. [00:42:24]

You know what the ultimate promotion is? Being ushered in the presence of God, walking through the portals, dark portals of death, Jesus taking us by the hand and leading us home. This is the ultimate promotion. And so many times we get so focused on the here and now that we forget the then and there. And the then and there is coming. And you have that through faith in Jesus Christ. [00:43:37]

And Satan can't snatch you out of the Father's hand. He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. That means the Lord is going to send you the spirit. That spirit is going to instill faith in you, strengthen that faith, and nurture that faith all the way until the time he calls you home. And this is the goal of life. Not to make a lot of money. Not to receive status and praise. Not to get recognition from others. Not to leave a large portion of money to your descendants. But to have faith in Jesus and to know that eternal life is wrapped up in him. [00:44:28]

A lot of people I know live under the judgment, the wake of condemnation from God. They think God is ready to punish and just let them have it every time they mess up. Oh my goodness, God is going to be so mad at me. He's going to be so angry with me. I've disappointed him so. I've let him down so many times. Oh my goodness, I deserve nothing but judgment. There is now, listen to me, there is now no judgment, no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [00:45:31]

For those of you who trust in Jesus. And I believe that's probably everyone here today. You're robed in the righteousness, purity, spotlessness, holiness, and sinlessness of Jesus Christ. This is the way God sees you. And the judgment upon your sinful life is not guilty. [00:46:02]

Imagine that you're standing before the throne room of God and the Father is your judge. And the accusing attorney, Satan himself, comes and speaks to the judge. And you're standing there on trial. And he looks at you and looks at the judge. And he says, look at this person. Look at how many sins they've committed. Look at how many times they've let you down. Look at how many promises they've made that they couldn't keep. Look at how they've said, I love you and honor you, Lord. And then they fell flat on their face in their sinful condition. They deserve nothing but eternal separation from you, Heavenly Father. And then he sits down. And then your defending attorney steps up. And who is that? Who is that? Jesus Christ. And he says this, I died for them. I paid the penalty for their sin in its entirety when I went to the cross and shed my blood in their behalf. And because I did that, and that was the pact between you and me, Heavenly Father, judge of the creation. Your verdict has got to be not guilty. [00:46:29]

Now it's time for the judge to make a decision. Does he listen to the accuser? attorney, or does he listen to the defending attorney? And his declaration upon you is no judgment. He declares you not guilty. And how cool is that, that we can walk out of this place today and say, I'm a child of God, headed to heaven, sins forgiven, reconciled to the Father, destined for eternal life. Why? Because of what I've done? No, rather because of what he has done for you. [00:47:51]

We were destined for eternal death, but God snatched us out of the clutches of Satan himself, headed for hell. He snatched us out of that, breathed spiritual life into us by the power of the Holy Spirit, either through our baptism or the proclamation of the word of God. And now we've crossed from eternal death to eternal life. [00:48:44]

You see how this is all Christ -centered, how this epitomizes the fullness of life. You see, the fullness of life is not all the things that we described at the beginning of this sermon. And so many people get so caught up in that. And at the end of it all, you leave it all behind. And the only thing that seals your fate and delivers eternal life to you is faith in the crucified and resurrected one, Jesus Christ. [00:49:06]

I've got to say that I was shocked when I heard and began to weep, not because of his political stances so much, and I don't like to get political here, but rather because of his unabashed, unapologetic confession of the name of Jesus. He confessed the name of Christ without reservation. And his life was wrapped up in Jesus. His mission statement was to know Christ and to make Christ known and to serve wherever he could. He was used up by God, utilizing the gifts and talents that God had given him. In his 31 years, he was maxed out for the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:49:56]

If there's anything I want to do is to be used up by God until he calls me home. And that was Charlie. For 31 years, he said, God, I'm your servant. Let your spirit be laid upon me so that I carry out your will in my life. [00:50:47]

And now what was the goal of his life? What's the, I want to ask you as I finish this sermon today, I want to ask you, what's the goal of your life? What is it? To spend eternity with Jesus, man. To run the race to eternal life to completion. To be faithful to Christ, even to the point of death, that we might receive the crown of everlasting life. This is the goal. [00:51:03]

All of that we leave behind. And our life here is so short compared to eternity. And this is what Charlie Kirk knew. This is what his wife Erica knows. I love what one wag said about our life now compared to eternal life. It's like taking an inch of string and stretching it from LA to New York. That's eternal life. That's life in heaven. And one inch of that string is our life now. So we prepare for the future. We prepare for eternity. [00:51:48]

And things like what have happened this week makes us realize how fragile life is and how desperately we need the Lord Jesus in our life how desperately the world needs the Lord Jesus in its existence and this is why we at this church are all about missions all about getting the gospel out grow in Christ grow in Christ this is it that's the fullness of life here it is truly I say to you Jesus said whoever hears my words and believes in him who sent me has eternal life and he will not come into judgment but has crossed from death to life that's you that's me who has the fullness of life amen [00:52:30]

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