God is love. It says so in I John 4:8. It doesn’t say ‘God loves’ as though it was a potion that He handed out. It’s a much stronger statement than that. It says God IS love. Is is an interesting word. Only two letters but it implies all kinds of action. The kind of action that created the heavens and the earth. God, the creator, is the source of all things. But, first of all, He is the source of love.
Through this love mankind is given a choice. Man can either participate in this love or reject it. Hitler rejected it. He went so far as to believe that he and God were one and that whatever he wanted God wanted. Sounds like some of Satan’s best handiwork doesn’t it?
Imagine being one of God’s heavenly creatures. Free to participate in God’s love or not. Then deciding to reject it. Lucifer the ‘light-bearer’ became Satan, the flip side of love. The ‘light-bearer’ became darkness and evil. It’s sad to say but Lucifer took fallen angels with him. It’s in Jude 6, Isaiah 14:12-15, and II Peter 2:4.
God has done everything to win mankind without taking away the choice to accept or reject Him (love). He is the kingliest of kings dressed in beggar’s clothes and only desires that His love be accepted.
So, how does mankind match up? How do Christians match up? In the day-to-day world does mankind participate in God’s love? Or does he reject it? That was the text of today’s sermon which is I John 4:13-15. The rest of the chapter is worth the read, too.
If you want a CD of the Sunday sermon, we will be happy to mail it for free. Call 417/543-6219 to get a copy. Have a God-filled, God-inspired, and God-blessed week.
