Why We Will Go Forward Text: John 3:16
*For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The Son’s mission is bound up through the supreme love of God. He was commissioned to reconcile evil sinful humanity. Jesus, initially started this great verse (or sentence) with a simple, but direct word- for. The word ‘for’ isn’t normally used to begin a sentence. However, through out the Bible, especially in the NT you will notice the word ‘for’ beginning many sentences’.
However, the word ‘for’ is always used when a person is emphasizing the need to progress. For example, A sentence beginning with the word ‘for’ will always tend to draw attention to itself. Another example, One might say, “For I will make some tough decisions about my life.”
According to Webster’s dictionary, the word ‘for’ simply means in support of, or in favor of.
Paul records in *Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
It also means on behalf of, or to the benefit of. Remember *Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
God’s saying, “I’m bringing progression in your life, I’m moving you forward, For I love you, and that’s not the end of the story, for I have more for you!”
For. You’re stressing something, and most of all, the word “for” always marks the beginning of another word. And quite often, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
*John 3:16, Jesus said, “For God so loved the world.” I declare unto you, if you are willing, there’s a new chapter for your life.
Before you were born; before the earth was created God had a plan.
*Romans 5:6-8 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
For, for, for...God brings progression, increase, (For His love, for us is for real!)
*Vs.16 For God... The supreme head, the ruler, All powerful One, All knowing One, Forever Present One, King of Kings, Lord of Lord’s, Abba, Adonai, Yeshua, Messiah, Christ, the Anointed One, Holy Spirit, The Breathe of God, Fire, Wind, Teacher, Comforter Etc.
The real question is...What can He not do?
I proclaim, if you will receive it, “It’s a new season for you, for me, for us, for our community, for Crane Eater Community Church.”
*Zechariah 2:5 For I,’ says the LORD, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.”
*John 3:16 For God so... The word ‘so’ emphasizes the intensity or greatness of His love. His love is unconditional, it’s red hot!
For God sooo loved! The Father gave His unique and beloved Son to die on behalf of us, sinful men.
*II Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Notice the progression and advancement. Annie Dillard once said, “How we live our days is how we live our lives.”
*Again 2 Corinthians 5:21say’s, ...that we might become...
A Nike commercial ran years ago, featuring the first-draft pick into the NBA, Harold Miner. In the commercial, he said something like, “Some people ask if I’m going to be the next Magic Johnson, the next Larry Bird, or the next Michael Jordan. I tell them, I’m going to be the first Harold Miner.”
You see God made you an original. He made our church an original. We’re not trying to be like the church down the road, or the church on T.V. but we are to be who God called us to be. A church filled with Love, Prayer and Grace! For such a time as this, in this harvest. To reach the lost for Christ!
*John 3:16 For God so loved the world...“What if God’s love was removed from the cosmos?”
He gave His only begotten Son... to pay the ultimate sacrifice. That’s love!
*Verse 16 again say’s, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The final sacrifice, Our scape goat, The lamb of God, Our sin bearer. (Everlasting life, paid in full!)
*Today, we dedicate this building, but greater than that- today we dedicate our lives to the building of God’s everlasting and eternal kingdom!
Prayer.
