Sunday June 13, 2021
https://www.facebook.com/Encountertexoma/videos/2211023055699469
John 3:16- “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
loved- agapao- Unconditional love, love by choice and by an act of the will. The word denotes unconquerable benevolence and undefeatable goodwill. Agapao will never seek anything but the highest good for fellow mankind.
Agapao (the verb) and agape (the noun) are the words for God’s unconditional love. It does not need a chemistry, an affinity, or a feeling.
And when you understand this you can grasp the next verse.
John 3:17- “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
These next verses give us a further understanding. Share the Events of Luke 9:51-56.
Luke 9:55-56- “But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.”
I present to you that this is still the heart of Jesus!
Luke 10:2- “Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
THIS TELLS US THAT WE ARE CALLED TO PARTNER WITH GOD IN THE HARVEST!
Matthew 5:13-16 (MSG)- “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
GOD STILL LOVES THE WORLD SO HOW DO I CHANGE MY WORLD?
- Value People
We need to begin to see every person as someone that Jesus died for.
Mark 2:16-17- “But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
They will never know your God until you value them. Value the people in YOUR world!
We are not seeing the world the way God sees the world when we only value those who agree with us!
“Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
2. Enter their world
I need to see things from their perspective.
How I view things is how I do things.
1 Corinthians 9:20-23- “When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.”
The closer I am to lost people the more I value the lost!
3. Add Value to People
You’ll never add value to people until you value them. How do I add value to people?
John 4:10: “Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
Jesus added value to this women who was living in sin! Obviously she hadn’t been valued by the 5 other men she’d been married to.
We’ve got to stop devaluing people with our words!
Another word for devaluing! CHEAPEN!
God’s love for the world wasn’t cheap. It cost him his Son. And it’s for every person on this planet!
YOU’RE VALUABLE TO GOD. YOU’RE VALUABLE TO THIS PASTOR. YOU’RE VALUABLE TO THIS CHURCH!
4. Live an Attractive Life
What does an attractive life look like?
Galatians 5:22-23- “But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
CONCLUSION: As I’m wrapping up my message, I glance at Facebook and there’s Kayesha Austin asking people if she can pray for them.
Do you know what everyone of those people who responded felt? They felt valued. They felt loved!
Kayesha Austin is changing her world. YOU can change your world!
Friends God still loves the world. God still loves you!
“For God so loved the world he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life!”
JESUS CAME TO LOVE YOU, NOT DESTROY YOU!
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?