The Bible is A Love Letter

Sermon Reflections from The Bible is A Love Letter | Alex Hardt | May 7, 2023 

Pastor Alex started this series on the Bible with a passage in Ephesians that is jam packed with lessons and truths for all of us.  As I read the portion with my name inserted as Pastor Alex asked us to do, it brings warmth, love and hope to my very being.  Alex’s sermon points of God’s story being personal, a love letter directly for me and one that connects us to His love is fully explained as we go through the handout questions he provided. We can see what God has done for each of us that know Jesus as our Savior.
What has God done for me and you?

1. God chose us.  I love Romans 5:8 when I think of how God loved me even when I was covered and steeped in sin.  “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  God did not have to choose to love me but He did. He desires that all come to know and love Him. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 “3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  What is your response to God’s amazing love for you?  

 

1. God made you whole and holy.  Wow!  God wants me to be complete, not dragged down by sin of this world and fulfilled in Him.  2 Timothy 1:9-10 of how God transforms us through Jesus. “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.  How are you making use of this holiness God has bestowed upon you?   Are you willing to share the knowledge of this grace with others?

 

1. God adopted you and me.  I love the verse in Ephesians 1:5 as it shows God got us ready, “he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—. And Romans 8:15 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”     Do you feel like a member of His family? If not why not?

 

1. God sent Christ to die for us. Romans 5:6 “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.’  We were ungodly because of sin but Christ redeemed us. Galatians 4:13 ‘He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” God desired that all be saved both Jew and Gentile.  Christ’s sacrifice was complete.  Hebrews 10:10 “
   And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”  What impact does Christ’s death have upon you? Does it change how you live and think?

 

1. Christ redeemed and forgave you.  This is personal to each one of us.  Christ paid the price to restore our relationship with the Father which could only be achieved though Christ’s death and resurrection.   Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”   Colossians 1:13-14 “ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Does knowing that Jesus died in your place, and has provided you with full forgiveness cause you to praise Him?  Tell Him how you feel, pray and sing His praises.

 

1. God made plans for you.  God knows us and has plans for each of us-specifically for our good and His glory!  Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Knowing that God has plans for you, for your good and His glory- does that make you want to thank and praise Him?  Does that make you want to pray and seek God more fully?

 

1. God gave you purpose.  The age old question is why do I exist?  Many people have lost many years seeking to know their purpose.  God desires we glorify Him in all we say and do.  Psalm 69:30
   I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” And again in Psalm 86:12 “I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.  1 Timothy 1:9 tells us that God has a purpose for each of us!  ‘He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,’   Does knowing you have a purpose that is valuable to God and that He will use it for His glory cause you to seeking to know Him better and walk with him?  

 
Thanks Pastor Alex for leading us through these soul seeking questions.  We can know God and know His answers for our life through His Word.  His love letter to us in complete and gives us all we need for life and godliness.
 
Linda

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