Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
No one has ever seen God, but God the one and only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. John 1:18 Jesus came to make God known
God didn’t want man to follow religion He wanted to relate with us as our Father Jesus came to show Father’s love for us His teachings were centered around this Displayed by His life, death & resurrection
Because God’s love is Real & Trustworthy
Profession detested by the Jews Chief Tax Collector and wealthy Discovered that wealth doesn’t satisfy Heard about Jesus (God’s love manifested) Ran ahead and climbed a tree
Zaccheus was a grossly sinful man God doesn’t bless(leave alone love) sinners Zaccheus doesn’t deserve God’s love Jesus didn’t fit their ‘Job Description’ But couldn’t deny the miracles & healings
God loves us just as we are (Good or Bad) He comes searching us and not vice versa We are not punished as our sins deserve He desires to come and live with us All that is needed is a heart that seeks God
God’s love and justice met on the cross Jesus took the punishment on our behalf Sinful humanity was reconciled to God He shares with us his resurrection victory Trusting God helps us overcome sin
Zaccheus experienced God’s love Enabled him to put his faith in God He trusted God’s love unwaveringly Transformation took place in the heart Resulted in responding by radical actions
Have we experienced God’s love? God’s love enables us to have faith in Him Has our faith moved us to trust God? Real faith transforms our heart We entrust ourselves completely to God Our lives become conduits of God’s love