Westside Church of Christ

The day of hearts, flowers and candy is coming up as we express our affection to those we love. Estimates of spending by Americans on this single day range widely, but all run into the billions of dollars. It is an expensive proposition to show we care, but no one ever paid as much as our God.

We know the verse (John 3:16). Love motivated our Creator to give His unique Son. It provided an escape from the certainty of perishing to the irresistible offer of eternal life. But if that is true, why do so many resist? Good question. It seems incomprehensible that anyone could understand what is at stake and turn it down. Perhaps, in that observation is the seed of the reason. They don’t really comprehend the consequences of such a decision.

Refusal means an eternity in hell, totally separated from God. That is a harsh reality that no rational person would possibly choose. It is unimaginable to live forever in total darkness while being in a lake of fire. Those contradictory ideas do not compute to a human mind, but it is the image that the word of God presents. Unending, round-the-clock torment with no escape. Those who choose to keep a loving Creator at arm’s length now will have their desires realized fully. It is their wish, not the Lord’s.

The Father sent the Son on an amazing mission: His life for ours. Jesus left the glory of heaven, endured all of the struggles of mankind, suffered, bled and died so that we might live. Self- destruction is no longer inevitable. Every beating heart has the option. God extended it to the whole world, no matter where we are or what we’ve done. Words from the cross continue to echo the excruciating spiritual agony that the Savior endured, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me (Matthew 27:46)?” Why? Because God so loved the world…

We can stretch our minds to their upper limits. We can reflect on the stories told throughout history. Yet, we will never come close to this. The love of Christ exceeds our comprehension (Ephesians 3:19). It prompted Him to give Himself in all His perfection for the guilty, so that He might bring us to the Holy One (1 Peter 3:18). Terribly damaged goods are made acceptable to the righteous God. Why? Because He so loved the world…

It is truly the greatest love story ever told. No one will ever love us like that. Jesus Christ gave His life for us, and by His own words that is the epitome of this wondrous concept (John 15:13). His care for us will never be surpassed. This is the perfect time to stop and meditate on it. There is nothing like it. He never quits, even when we are unlovable. God is love. We should be, too.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Call to Praise: Philippians 2:12-13

His word on it: Ephesians 3:20

Sermon: “Construction Zone”