Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
This sermon encourages us to live lives that reflect God's glory, prioritizing the good of others over our own, as active participants in God's grand narrative. Key
Welcome, beloved family in Christ. As we gather here today in the warm embrace of our shared faith, we are reminded of the profound connection we have, not just with one another, but with our Creator. We stand here, not by accident or coincidence, but by the divine design of a God who loves us deeply and individually.
In the words of the esteemed Charles Spurgeon, "Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there." So here we are, in this place, in this moment, chosen by divine love.
In the beginning, there was nothing but God. He existed in perfect unity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, before time itself was born. Yet, in His infinite wisdom and boundless love, He chose to create. He spoke, and the universe sprang into existence. Stars and galaxies, mountains and oceans, all the beauty and wonder of the natural world, brought forth by His word. Yet, among all His creations, one stands out. One was made in His own image, a reflection of His divine nature. That creation is us, mankind.
A. We were not created as an afterthought or a byproduct of some cosmic accident. We were intentionally and purposefully made. Each one of us, unique and special, crafted by the hands of the Almighty. We were made with care and attention, every detail of our being known and loved by our Creator. This truth is both humbling and empowering. It reminds us of our worth and value, not based on our achievements or possessions, but on our identity as God's beloved creation. He did not need to create us, but He wanted to. He desired to share His love and His glory with us, to invite us into a relationship with Him. We are not mistakes. We are beloved creations of a loving God.
B. This truth also shapes our understanding of others. If we are all created by God, then we are all equally valuable and worthy of respect and dignity. There is no room for prejudice or discrimination in this view. Every person, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or social status, is a beloved creation of God. This understanding should guide our interactions with others, leading us to treat everyone with love, kindness, and respect.
C. The creation of mankind also speaks to our purpose in life. We were not created to live for ourselves, but for God. We were created to reflect His glory, to show His love to the world. This is our highest calling and greatest purpose. It is not always easy, and we often fall short, but it is a goal worth striving for. It is a purpose that gives meaning and direction to our lives.
D. Finally, the creation of mankind reveals God's character. In creating us, God showed His love, His creativity, His wisdom, and His power. He showed that He is a God who delights in diversity and complexity, who values beauty and goodness, who is intimately involved in the details of His creation. This understanding of God shapes our relationship with Him. It leads us to worship Him, to trust Him, to love Him, and to seek to know Him more.
In the bustling marketplace of Corinth, the Apostle Paul's words echo with a timeless truth ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO