Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
To emphasize the infinite love and mercy of Jesus Christ, and the gift of salvation through faith, not by our own works.
Good morning, Saints! There's a warmth in this room today that reminds me of a quote by Charles Spurgeon. He once said, "Nothing but the infinite can ever satisfy me; I am such a great sinner that I must have infinite merit to wash my sin away." Now, that's a sentiment I believe we all can relate to, don't you think? We often feel overwhelmed by our sins, our failures, and our shortcomings. But folks, here's the wonderful news! The infinite love and mercy we so desperately need, can be found in our Lord Jesus Christ.
God's unconditional love is the assurance that no matter what we do, no matter how far we stray, God's love for us remains steadfast and unchanging. This love is not based on our performance, our achievements, or our ability to keep the law. It is not a reward for good behavior or a prize for the righteous. It is a gift freely given to all, regardless of our worthiness or unworthiness.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, puts it this way: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). This verse underscores the radical nature of God's love. It is not a love that waits for us to clean up our act or get our lives together. It is a love that reaches out to us in our mess, in our brokenness, and in our sin. It is a love that takes the initiative, that goes the extra mile, that pays the ultimate price.
This unconditional love is a reality that we can experience in our daily lives. It is a love that comforts us in our pain, strengthens us in our weakness, and encourages us in our despair. It is a love that forgives our sins, heals our wounds, and restores our souls. It is a love that never gives up on us, never lets go of us, and never runs out on us.
Yet, this love is not a license to sin or an excuse for complacency. On the contrary, it is a call to transformation and a challenge to growth. It is a love that compels us to turn away from our selfish ways, to embrace the values of the kingdom, and to live lives worthy of our calling. It is a love that inspires us to love others, to serve others, and to share the good news with others.
This love continues to pursue us, to shape us, and to mold us into the image of Christ. It is a love that is patient with our shortcomings, gentle with our failures, and persistent in its pursuit. It is not a distant reality, but a present truth. It is a love that is here and now, not just in the sweet by and by. It is a love that is not just for the future, but for the present. It is a love that is not just for the world to come, but for the world that is. It is a love that is not just for the life to come, but for the life that is.
This love is an active force. It is a love that moves mountains, breaks chains, and sets captives free. It is a love that heals the sick, raises the dead, and gives sight to the blind. It is a love that feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, and welcomes the stranger. It is a love that fights for justice, stands for truth, and advocates for the oppressed.
The gift of salvation is the belief that God, in His infinite love and mercy, has provided a way for humanity to be saved from sin and eternal separation from Him ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO