“A Divine Demonstration” Romans 5:8

Intro: Demonstrations Continue Across the Nation Demonstrate – (verb) “the action or process of showing the existence or truth of something by giving proof or evidence…” (noun) “a public meeting or march protesting against something or expressing views on a political issue.”

Photos From Ferguson, MO… Emotional eruption spilling into the streets … Designed for maximum exposure and impact

Drawing Closer to the Cradle… Last week: “light shines into darkness” (Isaiah 9) Light exposes: sin, the cure for sin, and thus provides HOPE for any dark situation Today: Christmas and the love of God Takeaway: What HAPPENS when the love of God shows up!

When God’s Love Arrives “On Scene” (John 1:14; Romans 5:8) Confronts darkness Illustrates God’s will – “way it should be” Bursts on the scene, convicting (John 16:8-9): * sin (error of heart and behavior) * righteousness (His will revealed) * judgment (accountability) Embodies grace, hope, invitation to healing! NOTE: not about feelings/emotions; it is action that “LANCES” the sin issue, resulting in healing / wholeness

Example: Vicki Moore, Rahab’s Rope 10 years ago never heard of sex trafficking; Surfing online, read about Indian girl rescued from prostitution; just wanted to be taught work skills. Light shines, love shows up BOOM! Rahab’s Rope! Last month: Geneva, UN Assembly Maybe not an international work or new ministry – but IMPACT on darkness!

In Jesus, the Father “Demonstrates” His Heart for Humanity! – Romans 5:8 He knows you – and wants you to know Him God of revelation – God who INITIATES the assault on darkness! God of relationship – He builds bridges! God of restoration! – Ample resources to replenish lost, wasted time/resources!

God’s Love Demonstrates Even … “While we were yet sinners…” Exposing roots of darkness Sin = Hamartia “missing the mark” Transgression = Paraptoma “a lapse or deviation from truth, intentional or not” Rebellion = “antilogia,” “to speak opposite” Deviate = Plano – “to cause to stray, to lead astray, lead aside from the right way to go astray, wander, roam about”

Sin Has Consequences. Always. “Behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23) Adam and Eve “just once!” “no one will know” “it feels so right” Not a good day for Ashley Malcom!

God Demonstrates The Great Price of Salvation – 1 Corinthians 6:20 “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” “Every gift has its price!” (Isaiah 53:10) Some will do anything to make a statement with a gift… meet “Eliza”

God Demonstrates His Judgment on Sin “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men” (Romans 1:18). “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf” (2 Cor. 5:21).

God’s Love Results in “Assignment” Ministries, Kingdom Advancing Find darkness – extinguish it by shining Places to look: * prayer list * people struggling with life * those who “hate” or resist you the most * existing ministries in the church * partner ministries in the community * newspaper / media events