He How Much More Gospel

The How Much More Gospel 1 John 4:17NKJ

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.

A young man who dives for exotic fish for aquariums said that one of the most popular aquarium fish is the shark. He explained that if you catch a small shark and confine it, it will stay a size proportionate to the aquarium you put it in. Sharks can be six inches long yet fully matured. But if you turn them loose in the ocean, they grow to their normal length of eight feet.

1 John 4:17TM God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s.

Jesus was the suffering servant, headed for the cross. However, Jesus is triumphantly resurrected, ascended and glorified.

Just listen again to Revelation 1:14-15NLT His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. 15 His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves.

Listen to the end of the test again, 1 John 4:17 because as He is, so are we in this world.

You were created to love. This type of triumphant living is far beyond what any of us can imagine. Listen, while most of the church is still trying to become as Jesus was, the Bible declares, “As He is, so are we in this world.”

Hear again John 7:37-39NLT On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” 39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

The Holy Spirit was sent specifically so we might attain... Ephesians 4:13NLT This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Your Christian life isn’t found on the cross; it’s found because of the cross.

Here’s some truths, all because of the cross:

Most people are looking back to the Redeemer who was, not the Redeemer who is. God is...

Suppose I had been forgiven a financial debt. It could be said I’ve been brought out of the red. Yet, after my debts are forgiven, I still am not in the black. Remember this, His blood wiped my debt of sin, but it was His resurrection that bought me into the black.

Jesus became poor so that you could become rich!

2. All because of the cross: You might be trying to deny yourself, and take up your cross, and follow Christ.

“A misunderstanding of this call has led many to follow His life of self-denial, but most stop short of His life and power.”

* Their cross-walk involves trying to crucify their sin nature by embracing joyless brokenness as an evidence of the cross.

However, you must follow Him all the way- to a lifestyle empowered by the resurrection! Religious disciplines are admired, but faith in Jesus’ resurrection brings ultimate victory!

John 11:25NLT Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5NLT And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

All because of the cross: When you only look to the cross you become preoccupied with Me! Constantly aware of your faults and weakness- saying, “Im so unworthy.”

True brokenness causes complete dependency on God, moving you to radical obedience that releases the resurrected power of Jesus Christ!

Self-evaluation ushers discouragement and unbelief. (You can develop the notion that this is the way I become holy.)

Remember, there’s a big difference from being dealt with by God, and self-evaluation.

4. All because of the cross: Wouldn’t it honor Jesus Christ more if you believed that He actually did a good job in saving you.

For the believer, it’s not a matter of heaven or hell, it’s only a question of how much of hell’s thinking I will allow into this heavenly mind of mine.