The Greatest Gift: God's Love Through Jesus Christ
Summary
The essence of Christmas is encapsulated in the greatest gift ever given: God's love through Jesus Christ. This gift is beautifully summarized in John 3:16, a verse that has been memorized by billions and serves as the cornerstone of our faith. It reveals God's immense love for the world, a love so profound that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. This is the gospel in a single sentence, the good news that forms the foundation of our faith and the reason for the existence of the Church.
God's love is the greatest passion, an intense and extravagant love that surpasses human understanding. It is a love that existed before the foundation of the world, a love that is unconditional and unending. Unlike human love, which can falter and fade, God's love is constant and eternal. It is a love that is long enough to last forever, wide enough to be everywhere, deep enough to handle any problem, and high enough to overcome any barrier.
The greatest present is God's gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. God came to earth in human form, not as an avatar or angel, but as a man, to communicate His love and to die for our sins. Jesus' birth, life, and sacrificial death are the ultimate expressions of God's love and justice. Through Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and we are offered the gift of eternal life.
The greatest proposal is God's offer of salvation to everyone, regardless of background or past. This offer is inclusive and universal, inviting all to believe in Jesus and receive the gift of eternal life. It is a call to trust in Jesus, to make Him the Lord and manager of our lives, and to enter into a personal relationship with Him.
Finally, the greatest promise is the assurance of everlasting life. This promise is not just about a future in heaven but a transformed life here and now, with a forgiven past, a purposeful present, and a hopeful future. It is an invitation to be part of God's family, to live a three-dimensional life filled with God's love and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- God's love is the greatest passion, an intense and unconditional love that existed before the world was created. It is a love that is constant and eternal, unlike human love, which can falter and fade. God's love is long enough to last forever, wide enough to be everywhere, deep enough to handle any problem, and high enough to overcome any barrier. [02:49]
- The greatest present is God's gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to earth to communicate God's love and to die for our sins. Jesus' birth, life, and sacrificial death are the ultimate expressions of God's love and justice. Through Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and we are offered the gift of eternal life. [08:21]
- The greatest proposal is God's offer of salvation to everyone, regardless of background or past. This offer is inclusive and universal, inviting all to believe in Jesus and receive the gift of eternal life. It is a call to trust in Jesus, to make Him the Lord and manager of our lives, and to enter into a personal relationship with Him. [16:39]
- The greatest promise is the assurance of everlasting life, a transformed life here and now, with a forgiven past, a purposeful present, and a hopeful future. It is an invitation to be part of God's family, to live a three-dimensional life filled with God's love and purpose. [23:05]
- Doubt and hurt can keep us from accepting God's gift, but we don't need to have all our doubts resolved to come to God. We can come to Him with our doubts and hurts, trusting in His love and grace. God's love is the reason to believe and accept His gift of salvation. [26:06]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - The Greatest Christmas Gift
- [00:32] - Understanding John 3:16
- [01:06] - The Gospel in a Sentence
- [02:02] - The Greatest Passion
- [03:10] - God's Extravagant Love
- [04:21] - Unconditional Love
- [05:45] - Experiencing God's Love
- [06:26] - Dimensions of God's Love
- [08:21] - The Greatest Present
- [09:09] - God Became Man
- [10:53] - Jesus Came to Die
- [12:27] - The Need for a Savior
- [14:11] - The Great Gift Exchange
- [16:39] - The Greatest Proposal
- [18:52] - Accepting God's Offer
- [22:49] - The Greatest Promise
- [24:24] - Living a Three-Dimensional Life
- [26:06] - Overcoming Doubt and Hurt
- [29:31] - A Christmas Prayer
- [31:37] - Next Steps and Celebration
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 3:16
- Ephesians 3:18-19
- Romans 8:39
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does John 3:16 reveal about the nature of God's love and His intentions for humanity? [01:06]
2. How does the sermon describe the dimensions of God's love according to Ephesians 3:18-19? [06:26]
3. In what ways does Romans 8:39 assure us of the constancy of God's love? [05:09]
4. What are the four aspects of God's gift mentioned in the sermon, and how are they interconnected? [02:02]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God's love being "long enough to last forever" challenge or affirm your understanding of love? [06:43]
2. What does it mean for Jesus to be the "visible image of the invisible God," and how does this impact our relationship with God? [09:09]
3. How does the sermon explain the necessity of Jesus' sacrificial death in relation to God's justice and love? [11:39]
4. What implications does the universal offer of salvation have for how we view and interact with people of different backgrounds? [17:26]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt alone. How can the assurance of God's omnipresent love change your perspective in similar situations? [06:55]
2. Identify a barrier in your life that seems insurmountable. How can you apply the understanding of God's love being "high enough to overcome any barrier" to this situation? [07:46]
3. The sermon mentions that doubt and hurt can keep us from accepting God's gift. What doubts or hurts are you currently facing, and how can you bring them to God? [26:06]
4. How can you make Jesus the "manager" of your life in a practical way this week? Consider one area where you need to relinquish control. [20:04]
5. Think of someone in your life who might feel excluded from God's love. How can you share the inclusive message of salvation with them this week? [17:47]
6. The sermon talks about living a "three-dimensional life." What steps can you take to ensure your past is forgiven, your present is purposeful, and your future is hopeful? [23:24]
7. How can you actively participate in God's family, the Church, and what role do you see yourself playing in it? [24:57]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Love is Boundless and Eternal
God's love is described as the greatest passion, an intense and unconditional love that existed before the world was created. Unlike human love, which can falter and fade, God's love is constant and eternal. It is a love that is long enough to last forever, wide enough to be everywhere, deep enough to handle any problem, and high enough to overcome any barrier. This love is not just a feeling but a profound commitment that God has towards His creation. It is a love that invites us to experience its depth and breadth in our daily lives, offering us comfort and strength in times of need. [02:49]
Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV): "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the boundless dimensions of God's love in your life recently? How can you share this love with someone who needs it today?
Day 2: Jesus Christ, the Ultimate Gift
The greatest present is God's gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to earth to communicate God's love and to die for our sins. Jesus' birth, life, and sacrificial death are the ultimate expressions of God's love and justice. Through Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and we are offered the gift of eternal life. This gift is not something we can earn; it is freely given out of God's immense love for us. It is a reminder that God's love is not passive but active, reaching out to us in our brokenness and offering us redemption and hope. [08:21]
2 Corinthians 9:15 (ESV): "Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!"
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the ultimate gift change your perspective on what you value most in life? What steps can you take to prioritize this gift in your daily routine?
Day 3: Salvation is an Open Invitation
The greatest proposal is God's offer of salvation to everyone, regardless of background or past. This offer is inclusive and universal, inviting all to believe in Jesus and receive the gift of eternal life. It is a call to trust in Jesus, to make Him the Lord and manager of our lives, and to enter into a personal relationship with Him. This proposal is not limited by our past mistakes or current circumstances; it is a standing invitation to experience the fullness of life that God offers through Jesus. [16:39]
Isaiah 55:1 (ESV): "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."
Reflection: What barriers, if any, are preventing you from fully accepting God's proposal of salvation? How can you begin to overcome these barriers today?
Day 4: The Promise of Everlasting Life
The greatest promise is the assurance of everlasting life, a transformed life here and now, with a forgiven past, a purposeful present, and a hopeful future. It is an invitation to be part of God's family, to live a three-dimensional life filled with God's love and purpose. This promise is not just about a future in heaven but about experiencing God's transformative power in our daily lives. It is about living with the assurance that we are loved, forgiven, and called to a higher purpose. [23:05]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: How does the promise of everlasting life influence your daily decisions and interactions? What is one way you can live out this promise today?
Day 5: Trusting God Amidst Doubt and Hurt
Doubt and hurt can keep us from accepting God's gift, but we don't need to have all our doubts resolved to come to God. We can come to Him with our doubts and hurts, trusting in His love and grace. God's love is the reason to believe and accept His gift of salvation. It is an invitation to bring our questions and pain to Him, knowing that He is big enough to handle them and loving enough to walk with us through them. [26:06]
Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: What doubts or hurts are you currently facing that you need to bring to God? How can you begin to trust Him with these areas of your life today?
Quotes
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Now I want you to notice, circle these words in that verse. Circle the word "God." Circle the word "only." Circle the word "Son." Circle the word "perish." And then circle "everlasting" or "eternal" and "life." Circle the word "life." G-O-S-P-E-L. That spells gospel. This is the gospel in a single sentence. It is the good news in a single sentence. It's why every church in the world exists because of John 3:16. [00:58:47]
God's love for you is extravagant, it is lavish, it is beyond comprehension. No one will ever love you with the intensity that God does. No man will ever love you, no woman will ever love you the way God, who created you, loves you. This is the first part of the greatest Christmas gift. God so loved you. Let's look at a few verses about God's love. There's a book in the Bible called Ephesians and in Ephesians 1:4 it says this, "Long before he," that's God, "Long before he laid down the earth's foundation, God had us in mind, and He settled on us as the focus of his love." [00:70:90]
God's love, this kind of love that is constant, continual, everlasting, unconditional, that love is the first part of God's great gifts to you. It's his passion for you. And God's love can handle every need you have. Ephesians, in the Bible, 3:18-19 says this, this is my prayer for you at Christmas, "May you be able to feel and to understand." I don't want you just to understand it, I want you to feel and understand. "How long, how wide, how deep, and how high God's love really is, and experience this love for yourself." [00:354:20]
God came to earth in human form as Jesus Christ. God became a man. He didn't come as an avatar. He didn't come as an angel. He didn't come as a prophet. He didn't come as a good teacher. God came himself. Like the old Hallmark phrase, "When you care enough to send the very best, you go yourself." That little baby that was there in a manger that we celebrate on Christmas day, who was that baby? Really who was that baby? Who was Jesus Christ? Colossians 1:15 says this, "Christ is the visible image of the invisible God." [00:524:73]
Jesus didn't come simply to live, he came to die. He came to die for our sins. Why did Jesus have to die? I'll tell ya. God is a God of love, but he is also a God of justice and when he sees something wrong, he goes, "That's not right." Justice demands that wrongs be righted, that offenses be punished, that people don't do evil and get away scot-free. You know and you want justice, you want crimes to be paid for, you want people who've hurt you to be corrected for those hurts. God is a God of justice. [00:693:08]
The good news of Christmas is this. Everything you've ever done wrong has already been paid for. Every sin you've ever committed has already been paid for. That's why Jesus came to earth. That's part of God's great present to you at Christmas. 1 John 2:2 says this, "When Jesus served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for good." In other words, "Now I can go to heaven even though I'm imperfect." "Not only our sins, but for the whole world." When Jesus died on the cross for you and for me, that was love in the first degree. [00:824:50]
God has an offer, God has a proposal that you can't afford to miss and here it is. "That whoever believes in him," Jesus Christ, "shall not perish." That's a promise, but with every promise there's a premise, there's a condition. God makes this proposal to you and there is a promise with it, but notice who this offer is for. Whoever, whoever believes in him, whosoever. That means everybody and you. Titus is a book in the Bible and in 2:11 it says this, "The free gift of eternal life is offered to everyone." [00:995:72]
Regardless of your religious background, you may be Jewish, you may be Buddhist, you may be Baptist, you may be Hindu, you may be Catholic, or Protestant, or pagan, or no religion at all. Jesus still died for you. It says to everyone. Doesn't say, "If you're such and such religion," it says Jesus died for you. Acts 10, in the Bible, verse 35 says this, "It makes no difference who you are or where you're from, if you want God and you're ready to do as he says, the door is open." [00:1046:37]
What is everlasting life? It's far more than just heaven. It's far more than just living forever. Yes, heaven is included, but the life that God wants to give you is a three dimensional life that includes past, present, and future. Past forgiven, purpose for livin', home in heaven. 1 Peter, in the Bible, 1:3-4 says this, "Because Jesus was raised from the dead," after he died, he came back alive on Easter to show who he really was, split history into A.D. and B.C. [00:1385:21]
How many of those dimensions are you really living? Has your past been forgiven? Do you have a purpose for living? Are you certain of your home in heaven? That's the kind of life, three dimensional life, God offers to you as his Christmas gift to you. When do you start? Now! Why would you put it off? Why would you wait one more day to have your past forgiven, to get a purpose for living, and to get a home in heaven? Plus, not only that, you become a part of God's family. [00:1459:68]
You don't have to have all your doubts resolved to accept the Lord into your life. I wish I had learned this a long time ago, I woulda accepted the Lord much sooner. I used to think, "I have to have all my doubts figured out." There are many things I don't understand and I doubt why did God do that and why did God do that. You enjoy a lot of things you don't understand. I don't understand the chemistry of digestion, it doesn't keep me from eatin' a good steak. [00:1566:26]
Really you only need one reason to believe. You only need one reason to accept God's Christmas gift to you and it's this. God loves you, he so loves you. I wanna say John 3:16 and in your mind, I want you to put your name in there. Let me say it like this. "For God so loved," put your name in there. "For God so loved Bill or Mary or Sherry or Tom." "For God so loved, that he gave his only begotten Son, that if," put your name in there. [00:1701:21]
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