Because He First Loved Us Much, We Love Him Much — Santosh Poonen — January 28, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that Christian life, both in this life and eternity, must remain focused entirely on Jesus Christ. The speaker urges listeners to ensure that Jesus is the most precious thing to them, defining a true believer as one who has repented and committed to following Him. He concludes by encouraging believers to build themselves up in their faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What do you think about when you think about heaven?Heaven must always be about Jesus, and our focus for eternity should be captivated by His pierced hand.
Unto you who believe he is preciousA true believer is tested by whether Jesus is genuinely precious to them.1 Peter 2:7
Keep yourselves in the love of GodWe are encouraged to take church meetings seriously, build ourselves up in faith, and actively keep ourselves in God's measureless love.Jude 1:20
While we were yet sinners, Christ died for usGod demonstrated His love by embracing us while we were helpless, ungodly, and enemies punching Him in the face.Romans 5:6–8
Frees us from a performance-based relationshipBecause God loved us in our absolute filth when we were dead, we do not need to try to perform for Him or earn His love.
The first mention of Christ in the BibleChrist enters the biblical narrative right after Adam and Eve make a mess in the garden, showing that we need Him most when we fail.
Seated with him to show the surpassing riches of His graceGod seats us with Christ so that throughout the ages to come, He can continually show us the surpassing riches of His kindness.Ephesians 2:4–7
Walking with God despite our flawsFigures like Enoch and Noah walked with God and were called blameless, not because they were sinless, but because they kept walking with Him.Genesis 5:21
The Father embraces the prodigal sonThe father runs and embraces the returning son in his filth, celebrating simply because the one who was dead is now alive.Luke 15:20
Jesus, the friend of sinnersJesus gladly embraces the title 'friend of sinners' and meets us in our deepest need when we humbly admit we are sick and require a doctor.
Her sins which are many are forgiven for she loved muchThe unnamed woman poured out her love at Jesus' feet, demonstrating that loving Him deeply opens the door for complete forgiveness and salvation.Luke 7:47
Do you love me?In his restoration, Peter is asked only one fundamental question by Jesus: 'Do you love me?', setting aside past failures.
The love of God poured out through the Holy SpiritThe secret to loving God is opening the doors of our heart wide so the Holy Spirit can shed abroad God's love within us.Romans 5:5
