October 7 MESSAGE of HOPE John 3:16
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, BaptistTabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
What is the message that we need to hear and embrace, in this time of chaos and uncertainty? It is the message of HOPE! Granted, there are many types of messages. Some messages are crystal clear while others are, a little muddy or murky. Here are a few of my favorites: Answering Machine Message: These are actual answering machine answers recorded and verified by the world-famous International Institute of Answering Machine Answers… *Hello, you are talking to a machine. I am capable of receiving messages. My owners do not need siding, windows, or a hot tub, & their carpets are clean. They give to charity through their office & do not need their picture taken. If you’re still w/ me, leave your name & number & they will get back to you / *Hi. I am probably home. I’m just avoiding someone I don’t like. Leave me a message, & if I don’t call back, it’s you. *Hi, this is Glen. I’m sorry I can’t answer the phone right now. Leave a message, and then wait by your phone until I call you back. But my all-time favorite is: *A College student had the following message on his dorm answering machine: "Hi! This is Dustin! If it’s the phone company, I sent the money. If it’s Mom or Dad, please send money. If it’s the financial office, you didn’t loan me enough money. If it’s my girlfriend, leave a message-- and don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of money!” Messages are necessary for us to communicate. None are as clear as the message God recorded for us through the Apostle John which is found in John 3:16. In this passage there are 4 prominent messages. John 3:16 is a simple yet profound message of love, hope & relationships. This is A SIMPLE MESSAGE…For God so loved the world… God the Father created all things for His glory. Every Sunday, there ought to be simple messages preached across America and around the world about a God who still loves us. It was Charles Spurgeon who says, “God is infinite in knowledge, infinite in power, infinite in duration, & infinite in love.” God reveals His immeasurable love by saving us thru His grace! Not only do we see that it is a simple message but it is also a…A SATISFYING MESSAGE… That He gave His only begotten Son…We find this message satisfying because Jesus is my SUBSTITUTION. Jesus died for MY sins, not His own. Romans 5:8 clearly states, “God demonstrates His own love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” We also find this message satisfying because He is my PROPITIATION. This means that God was appeased and turned away the wrath I deserved because Jesus died for me. Jesus is also my RECONCILIATION. He has restored my relationship with God. He has justified me in His eyes through His Son’s death. Because of what Jesus accomplished, it is revealed through REGENERATION. God’s message is a satisfying & simple message as well as a: A SAVING MESSAGE…That whosoever believes in Him should not perish, This saving message does 3 things for you. It saves you from the PENALTY of sin. It also saves you from the POWER of sin. Sin no longer reigns over your choices. You are now able to resist the temptation of sins. God has given you the Holy Spirit to overcome sin! Finally, it saves you from the PRESENCE of sin. This is our ultimate desire. We will stand in the presence of Jesus and will not have the lingering effects of sin. Finally, God’s message is a saving, satisfying & simple message, we also find it A SIGNIFICANT MESSAGE… But have everlasting life. It is a significant message because It’s a PASSIONATE message; it’s a PERSONAL message; it’s a POWERFUL message; it’s a PROFITABLE message! We have everlasting life because He took my place on the cross that I might have an everlasting relationship with Him. It’s not just the quantity of life, but the quality of life, the moment I repent of my sins and commit my life to Him. It is at this moment that God reveals His unfathomable grace! For the unbeliever, the message still doesn’t make sense. Trust God. He has done His part to make us acceptable…it’s YOUR turn now! What God does with you is entirely up to you! HE has paid the Price! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!