So I visited Kyle this weekend. I enjoy coming to Radford so much, but my favorite day is Sunday by far. Kyle goes to the best church I have ever been to in my whole entire life. It's called Valley Bible. Bret Johnson has been doing a series out of Ephesians and oh. my. gosh. This guy is so young, but has such a skill to speak with so much conviction and hope. It is amazing. Anyways, the sermon today punched me in the stomach and knocked me on the ground. It hit me so hard. It rolled over me like a tsunami wave. I'm actually still processing it, but while it's fresh I just want to share some of the points. I promise this is worth reading. Hang with me, please.
The sermon was out of Ephesians 1:3-6 (How in the heck can you give a 90 minute sermon on 3 verses you ask? Right?! Crazy). The entire sermon encompassed the idea of God's great love, which I struggle with. I have an incredibly hard time grasping how much God loves me, which I think is a common struggle among christians.
Anyways, Bret began by speaking about how God chose us. He knew he would create a world that would become absolutely grimy and corrupt with sin, but he did it anyways. He sees us for who we are and he is not repulsed. He actually wants us. God is propelling all of existence and nothing is by chance. Wow. This leads to the idea of predestination. Hot topic word, but it's simple really. Before time, God had a will and a destiny for us. He predestined us to be adopted as part of his family. He pursued us (and is still pursuing us) and has this awesome plan for us and for the world.
Bret explained it with this analogy:
We've all been to a surprise party. Someone organizes this awesome event because they love someone. They get them the best presents, which they know they will love. They invite all of the people that person enjoys and cares about. Everyone is tip-toeing around trying to keep this party a surprise because they love that person. When we love people we like to do nice things for them. The event may be expensive, but totally worth it.
So imagine this: Before the world was ever in existence, there was only vast, dark, nothingness, God says to Jesus, "Hey, listen. I'm going to fashion this world and you, you will show them who I am and then rescue them. It isn't going to be easy. They will hate you and ridicule you, but you will save them. Once they crucify you and you die, they will receive the greatest gift. It'll be expensive, but it is so worth it." Jesus nods.
WHAT?! How incredibly selfless. God did not create us out of some need for himself. He wasn't feeling inadequate. He is perfectly satisfied in himself, yet he chose us. Why. We are so totally hopeless outside of God's pursuit. There is absolutely nothing that can separate us from his perfect will. God didn't create this world and get to the point where humans discover sin and be like....crap. Well...what do I do now? How do I save these people? This plan was decided from the very beginning. That is so crazy to me. I can get lost in the idea just thinking about it. I mean, really, it's just so cool. He loves us so much and that's that. It's love. Simple.
This was such a selfless act. So incredibly selfless. Why can we not be this way towards others? Why are we so quick to anger or so quickly offended? We are so accepted by Christ. Nothing we can do is too big to be forgiven. Nobody is capable of anything that his love cannot wash away. Why can't I accept others more easily? Imperfections and all. Why am I so selective of who I let in? As Christians we are called to love everyone like Jesus did. Everyone. We get so caught up in the rules of the American church. I just don't think that's what it's all about. I think that once we comprehend how much God loves us, and what He did for us, then it becomes easier for us to love others, as well. Stop judging everyone around you. Everyone has struggles and demons that they're battling. Help them. Experience selflessness.
It is just not our place to be the appraiser of our worth. That is the role of God. He defines our worth. Yes, we are so not deserving, but that is just not up to us. God's grace and perseverance is truly beautiful. Doubt and fear are so natural, but thankfully these feelings don't save us. Don't let it hinder your intimacy with Him.
There is so much hope in the darkness of this world, just believe. It's such a quick, life altering decision. It's life or death. Join the family, He loves you more than any earthly being will ever be able to.
He is the rescuer, and that my friends, is beautiful.
If you're interested in hearing Bret's other sermons or this one in particular, check it out here. Those are my thoughts for today. Thank God for renewal.
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