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September 21, 2004

The Awesome Love of God vol. 1

Over the last week I have been thinking about the gospel and what it means for me. This has been prompted in part by Tim and in part by Greg Van Nada. Then yesterday I listened to Mark Darling's “The Awesome Love of God” and then I knew that I had to post on it.

Tim mentioned that we as Christians tune out the gospel message shortly after we accept it. We think: “Oh yeah. I’ve heard that. That’s for all those heathen sitting around me” But really I think we need to start sharing the gospel once a week (at least), or repeating it to ourselves quietly before we go to bed. Because in reality this gospel, this message has a life changing effect.

Ok now your thinking: “You haven’t proved anything yet I think I’ll move on to Matt’s blog or maybe see what the Cubs standing are.” Well don’t leave just yet. (and believe me I read Matt’s blog on a regular basis and this time he just posted on the laptop he is selling and btw the Cubs are loosing.) So here is my reasoning for the importance of the gospel.
The gospel gives you perspective. It helps you realize that God loves you unconditionally. I know that everyone knows that but how often do you believe it? Not often enough. Because if you did other people’s opinion of you becomes a non-issue. Also if you really truly realized God’s incredible love for you then you would have no problem with guilt, reading your bible, or flossing regularly.

Well I am out of time on this post. (Sorry but I need to get stuff done and I know how much everyone loves reading super long serious posts.)
So take the next step and check out these passages:
Galatians 2:19-3:3
Romans 8
1 Corinthians 13 (read this one replacing every instance of the word love with God. It’s true!)

Posted by paul at September 21, 2004 09:45 PM

Comments

i have read through 1 cor 13 substituting God for love in each verse, pretty cool stuff

Posted by: leah at September 21, 2004 03:33 PM

I sometimes think I could just scream if I hear I Corinthians 13 used one more time as a wedding reading. IT'S NOT ABOUT MARRIAGE, except indirectly. It's about saints in the church loving each other.

I feel better now. ;)

It's too bad that we tune out the Gospel message. If we do, it's because we treat it like it's fire insurance and we treat God as little more than an insurance salesman, I think, or a heavenly hotelier who has reserved a piece of cloud for us.

Christianity is a relationship, not a religion, right? Or so we like to say. But we don't treat it like a relationship, do we? If we did, then we'd realize that "receiving Christ as our personal savior" -- as we platitudinously say -- is just the beginning, not the ending. And if we realize how great a love he has bestowed, we'd be always thrilled to talk about the Best News Ever (not merely "good" news) -- that we've been rescued, aka "saved." We'd be more like the woman who washed the Lord's feet with her tears because she truly understood how great was the Lord's love.

And as far as, "super long serious posts," keep 'em coming. I could talk about the Lord's love forever.

And I guess I will, someday.

Posted by: Different Dan at September 21, 2004 05:42 PM

thanks guys.

Posted by: paul at September 22, 2004 09:42 AM