The Nature of God's Love
The Nature of God's Love3
Glory of God
By Zac Poonen0PSA 51:6ISA 50:4MAT 8:10MRK 8:36LUK 7:47LUK 23:34JHN 7:38ACT 10:38EPH 4:151JN 4:8Zac Poonen emphasizes that God is the essence of love, as demonstrated through Jesus Christ, who embodied this love in His actions and words. He explains that true love originates from the inner man and is reflected in our thoughts and attitudes, which must be selfless and compassionate. Poonen highlights that Jesus valued every individual, regardless of their circumstances, and was willing to sacrifice Himself to free humanity from sin. He encourages believers to speak the truth in love and to exhibit patience and kindness, following Jesus' example of uplifting others. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a life dedicated to serving God and others, reflecting the glory of God's love in our daily interactions.
The Invisible Sacrifice
By G.W. North0LEV 17:11PSA 51:16ISA 53:5JHN 15:13ROM 12:1EPH 5:2HEB 9:22HEB 10:41PE 2:5G.W. North emphasizes that the foundation of the world was laid in a spiritual sacrifice by God, which transcends the traditional understanding of sacrifice associated with sin and atonement. He argues that this divine sacrifice is eternal and rooted in the essence of life itself, rather than being a mere ritual for forgiveness. North explains that while physical sacrifices were instituted for Israel, they were intended to reflect deeper spiritual realities and the nature of God's love. The true significance of sacrifice lies in its representation of God's being and love, rather than the act itself. Ultimately, the visible sacrifices were mere shadows of the greater spiritual truths they were meant to convey.
Such a Friend
By Thomas Brooks0PRO 18:24JHN 13:1ROM 8:38Thomas Brooks emphasizes that Christ is the ultimate friend, one who is closer than a brother, embodying qualities such as omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. He reassures believers that Christ is a constant and faithful companion, loving them to the very end. This friendship is characterized by compassion, watchfulness, and unwavering support in all circumstances. Brooks encourages the congregation to recognize and cherish this profound relationship with Christ, who is always present and attentive to their needs.