December 18, 2018: SOAP #3302:  John 2-4

Scripture:  John (NIV) 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Observation:  The motive: love!  Whose love?  God, the creator’s love!  How much love?  Enough to send His Son to save the world!   What is required of us?  Simply believing!  So, what happens to those who do not believe?  They stand condemned!   Which is so logical.  If verses 16 and 17 are true, then verse 18 is the logical conclusion!  What else could one expect if the love gift of God is rejected?  It all makes perfect sense!

Application:  So, what is the logical response to such love?  To love Him in return.  To express my love for Him and appreciation for what He has done by my words and deeds.  When my heart is full of love for Him it will be seen in my words and actions.  When people discover my heart of love for Jesus, they should understand why I speak as I do and act as I act.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, out of love, you sent your son to die in my place as payment for my sins.  Out of a heart of love and appreciation, I want my words and actions to express my love for you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!