John 3:16-18
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. The one who believes in him is not condemned, but the one who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You demonstrated tremendous love by sending your Son to die for us and redeem us. While you had every right to condemn us, you sent Jesus here to save us by forgiving us of all our sins. He came into a world that hated him; he had to avoid Jerusalem for a period. So that at just the right time, you used their hate to shower us with your love. There was no other way to save your fallen creation. Jesus came here as your Son, also Mary’s son—true God and true man. He became part of this created world to live a life of complete innocence; he kept every law. Then our Savior took into himself all our sins, suffering, and dying in our place. He removed the bondage of sin that separated us from you; he defeated death. Jesus was the firstborn from the dead. Salvation is for all people because you loved the world, so no one has to wonder: “Well, did God really intend this for me? I have really lived a horrible life.” The answer is yes, because your love is for all the world, and you make it quite simple to receive this gift; there is nothing we have to buy, and there is no activity on our part. We simply stop denying your love. Therefore, as John wrote, whoever believes will have eternal life. But rejecting you and your word will condemn us to eternal death in hell. Those who do not believe will be separated from You forever. Lord, strengthen my heart that I am not ashamed of sharing this message with others, sharing your love with those who do not know you. Then increase my faith always to trust your words and believe in the forgiveness Jesus has won for me. Amen.
Pastor Roger Emmons
How much more does God have to demonstrate his love for you beyond sending his Son to die for you?