Sermon Reflections from A New Life That Never Ends | Alex Hardt | August 31
Pastor Alex began his message with a list of 10 things he loves about Jesus. As he gave us his list, I was struck by the way each one confirmed an attribute of God. He is Alex’s heavenly Father and has revealed himself to Alex in so many ways, giving him a glimpse of His true nature and character.
1. God invites all. This shows God’s impartiality. He is open to all.
2. God is radically inclusive. This shows that God is immutable- unchanging and omniscient. He knows that He has a place for everyone who believers.
3. God befriends the marginalized. God is merciful towards all and loves those on the fringe and those in the middle!
4. God teaches love. Scripture tells us that God is love and Jesus lived it out loving all, even his enemies.
5. God showed love even when it hurt with a sacrificial love. God sent his son to die for us even while we were still sinners.
6. God values traits we often dismiss. God is personal and loves and gifts each one who believes in Him.
7. God speaks because changing words from Him work. We are forgiven in Christ. God is forgiving.
8. God invites empathy over indifference. God is filled with grace.
9. God is not abstract but real with deep intimate connections. God is accessible.
10. God keeps on inviting with open arms. God is faithful and eternal. He will never give up on us.
What is it that you know and love about Jesus?
Does your list include the following attributes of God: Provider, Father, Savior, Guide, Creator, Good, Glorious, Holy Wise, Preserver, Just, Omnipresent, Righteous, Patient, Long-Suffering or Comforter? There is so much to love and be thankful for that is revealed in God’s character. Meditate on these attributes and the ones Pastor Alex highlighted and make your own list. It will increase your gratitude and give you multiple reasons to Praise Him!
Pastor Alex continued in his sermon highlighting the tangibility of eternal life. It is the reason for hope in Him and starts now and goes into eternity.
Eternal life is not payment from God nor is it a reward. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” This is such an important concept for us to understand that scripture speaks of it often. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 3:21-23 “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Galatians 3:25-27 “ But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
As I said before, eternal life is such an important concept God wanted no confusion about how one received it- through faith in Jesus, or when it begins in us. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The verb used is have- not will have, but have- meaning upon accepting Jesus and his work on the cross by faith = have, right then, eternal life! John 5:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
Pastor Alex continued in his sermon highlighting the tangibility of eternal life. It is the reason for hope in Him and starts now and goes into eternity.
Eternal life is not payment from God nor is it a reward. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” This is such an important concept for us to understand that scripture speaks of it often. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 3:21-23 “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Galatians 3:25-27 “ But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
As I said before, eternal life is such an important concept God wanted no confusion about how one received it- through faith in Jesus, or when it begins in us. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The verb used is have- not will have, but have- meaning upon accepting Jesus and his work on the cross by faith = have, right then, eternal life! John 5:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
Belief = having eternal life.
When I started this blog, I wrote down Pastor Alex’s list of why he loves Jesus. Each and every thing on his list, shows things Alex has discovered about Jesus. He has internalized his faith and made it personal. To have that lifelong relationship with Jesus you first accept Jesus into your life as your Savior. You need to acknowledge how much you need Him and step out in faith to trust Him with your past, present and future. Then you can begin your journey with Jesus- learning more about Him each and every day.
When I started this blog, I wrote down Pastor Alex’s list of why he loves Jesus. Each and every thing on his list, shows things Alex has discovered about Jesus. He has internalized his faith and made it personal. To have that lifelong relationship with Jesus you first accept Jesus into your life as your Savior. You need to acknowledge how much you need Him and step out in faith to trust Him with your past, present and future. Then you can begin your journey with Jesus- learning more about Him each and every day.
If you know Him- then go back and look at Alex’s list again and start making one of your own.
Linda
Linda
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Linda is a member of Crossroads church and regularly blogs about her faith.
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