God's lovingkindness
Norman Crawford teaches that God's lovingkindness is an everlasting, faithful mercy that shelters and comforts His people through all circumstances.
In this devotional sermon, Norman Crawford explores the profound and everlasting nature of God's lovingkindness. Drawing from both Old and New Testament scriptures, he reveals how God's mercy, faithfulness, and grace provide comfort and protection to believers. Crawford encourages listeners to trust in God's Word and experience His tender care amidst life's challenges. This message offers hope and assurance of God's unchanging love.
Full Transcript
Jeremiah, the book of Jeremiah, chapter thirty-one, verse three. The Lord hath appeared before unto me, saying, Create, I will be with the everlasting love, therefore let me time this by prophecy. Yesterday, in Akron, we were looking at Titus chapter three, despised, in verse four, promise, mercy coming.
I made a mistake yesterday. Maybe the first time I've made a mistake. I hope maybe it's the last.
I said that punishments is not found in the Old Testament. It truly is not found in these two separate words, but it is found in one word. How precious is the truth.
Someone asked me, a week ago, if verse three of Jeremiah three is limited to God's covenant people, is it limited to God's delight in Israel? I have no answer to that. Let's say, it must. If we were to turn to the New Testament, to, for instance, our text in Timothy chapter one, in verse nine, we are told that the grace of God to us was before times and turn out, before He fashioned the world, before He made Adam, is the neverlasting love.
It is what we need. They've been through it. It's all been displayed in that scene of darkness.
But I've been thinking a little bit over time. Time is a very short study. In Psalm 51, the Old Testament, it's all about God's treatment of us.
He did not pour out His wrath upon us. He has His back. The judgment we so rightly deserve.
Those floodgates that kept the wrath from being poured out on us, that mercy is like the risen light. In Psalm 89, His lovingkindness is linked to His faithfulness. We are told that, how excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore, the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wing.
That's Psalm 36. Psalm 89 says, Nevertheless, by lovingkindness will I not betray Him. So His lovingkindness is linked to His mercy, His guilty service.
His lovingkindness is linked to His faithfulness toward us. Even though we fail, we encounter Him. His lovingkindness is linked to the shadow of His wings.
I think that's very precious. Blessed is the man who is comforted by the shadow of the wings of a literal translation. We are unfailingly welcome to His company.
Psalm 40 is a whole lot like tenderly and genuinely preserving faith. I don't think anyone here has any argument that I overhear what he's saying this morning. So God's lovingkindness is linked.
He has revealed Himself in His Word. And that Word speaks to our hearts and it speaks to you. Here's what a young man asked me last night.
He said, where did all the grace come from? Revelation 1.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Everlasting Love of God
- God’s love is eternal and unchanging as shown in Jeremiah 31:3
- God’s mercy and grace are promised and fulfilled in the New Testament
- God’s love precedes creation and sustains His people
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II. The Link Between Lovingkindness, Mercy, and Faithfulness
- Psalm 89 connects lovingkindness with God’s faithfulness
- God’s mercy restrains His wrath and offers forgiveness
- The shadow of God’s wings symbolizes protection and comfort
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III. Experiencing God’s Lovingkindness in Our Lives
- God’s Word reveals His lovingkindness to our hearts
- Faith is preserved through God’s tender care
- Believers are welcomed into God’s presence despite failures
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IV. The Source of Grace and Lovingkindness
- Grace originates from God’s eternal nature
- Revelation reveals the fullness of God’s grace
- Understanding grace deepens our trust and comfort in God
Key Quotes
“How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore, the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wing.” — Norman Crawford
“Those floodgates that kept the wrath from being poured out on us, that mercy is like the risen light.” — Norman Crawford
“Blessed is the man who is comforted by the shadow of the wings of a literal translation. We are unfailingly welcome to His company.” — Norman Crawford
Application Points
- Trust in God's lovingkindness as a source of comfort during difficult times.
- Seek to understand and embrace God's mercy and grace through Scripture.
- Rest in the assurance of God's faithful protection and presence in your life.