what manner of love?

1 John 3:1

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not."

Indeed, "What manner of love" is this? No one can compare to GOD'S love! Unconditional love that God has for His followers, that we are part of GOD’S family! When we experience GOD'S love there is no deeper sense of security and affection.

A love that has moved people since creation. We focused on the Christmas account in the Gospel of John. While he doesn't take us to the manger or tell us about shepherds and wise men. He does very clearly tell us that Jesus is the LIGHT of the world. Taking us to the point where our salvation is not achieved through our own doing. It is entirely done by Jesus and is wholly a gift from God.

Then we read where the wise men "fell down, and WORSHIPPED" Jesus. They were NOT Jewish. They were NOT from the neighboring country. They invested a lot of time and money on traveling to this birthday celebration. And, they brought gifts! "Their TREASURES" Their actions are a testimony to their faith and an example for you and me to follow.

Then we read from the Letter to the Romans. Everyone knows who Jesus is. Even demons know Him. It is what we do with the information that separates the sheep from the goats. When we believe in our hearts, that will affect our actions. It might even inspire us to take a LONG journey and to give away our TREASURE. It will move us and change us. We become part of GOD'S family and leave the world of sin and death behind.

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obedient unto death

Philippians 2:8 "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Are you offended? The creator of the universe became incarnate and walked with people. He served people. He sacrificed Himself for you and me. Was this work beneath Him? Did He have to do this? Why is THIS God's plan? Who am I to question GOD'S plan? In this letter, Paul's Holy Ghost inspired writing tells us to put others’ interests ahead of our own. Paul tells us to live from a spirit of selflessness, compassion, and unity, reflecting the character of Christ and His love for humanity. A love that is truly "MIGHTY!" "MIGHTY" is one of the names the prophet Isaiah recorded for the Messiah. This is NOT the typical way to be "MIGHTY." Jesus is GOD, and all the glory and majesty that comes with that. And God came down from heaven to be born into the family of people. GOD lived with us and died for us. ...

the donkey

Luke 19:32-34 "32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as He had said unto them. 33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? 34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him." God's Grand Plan is your REDEMPTION! Since GOD can make that happen, getting a donkey to ride into Jerusalem is easy! Before the celebratory crowd is shouting "HOSANNA!" Jesus sent 2 Disciples to get a donkey. What is described in today's verses is exactly the way Jesus said things would unfold. Here we can see Jesus is in charge of ALL creatures. The people and the donkeys! In the verses leading up to here we can read that the Disciples are not getting it. They are thinking the Messiah was going to take David's throne. Take Israel back from the Roman occupation. People did not understand God's Grand Plan. Even though Jesus told them all. On their way to Jerusalem they pass through Jericho. Zacheas was there, the...

encouragement

Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." We continue our study of the Lord's Prayer. This week, "Deliver Us From Evil." is also translated as "Deliver Us From The Evil One." We need to remain "sober" and "vigilant." A big part of this is studying the Holy Scriptures, like we are doing. We want to form a solid united front against Satan. For the heart of our studies we turn to Paul's letter to the Ephesians. It was one of four letters Paul wrote while in prison in Rome. Paul cared deeply for the Ephesians. He lived with them for three years as this church was forming. He wants to encourage them and help them become successful. His words can help you and me today.

Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

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