2. 3. God Pursues a Love Relationship Romans 5: 1-11 p. 1040-1041

3. A Love Relationship A strange verse – Matt 22:37-38 “love God” Talking about God’s love for us – words have been hijacked.  Love  “I love God” vs. “I love ice-cream”  Relationship  Neighbours, classmates, mothers, brothers, friends, bosses, wives, husbands...  Which one is most like the Biblical idea of our relationship with God?

4. 1. Peace The Biblical / Hebrew Concept of “Shalom”  The presence of wellness, goodness, rightness, fullness Comes through the death of Christ (v. 6-8)  God’s love prompted sacrificial action  “we were still sinners” (v. 8)  By faith we gain access to God’s grace.

5. 2. Hope Now with “Shalom” restored... How much more will God’s love result in Fullness If God would die for us when we were his enemies...... How much more will He do for us now that we are His friends We become part of the coolest gang in the Universe!

6. 3. Character Striking words: “suffering”, “endurance” and “character”.  Our character: We should be like Jesus. Important: “Maturity in Christ” (Col 1:28; Eph 4:13; James 1:4)  Linked to “teaching & admonishing”, “Fullness of Christ” and “perseverance” An example from my life: Be faithful toady with what God lays before you to do

7. 3. Character... God knew the future I don’t know what he’s going to do with my little act of obedience! I live experientially in the love of God... because I have changed deep in my soul.

8. Experience & God’s Word Two people have the same life experience:  The one becomes BITTER  The other becomes BETTER The difference is Christ.