Sermon: Love

The love we celebrate at Christmas does not originate in human hearts.

I. Love Came Down

John 1:1-5

John 1:14

A. The Identity of the Word

Colossians 1:15

Colossians 2:9

John 14:9

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 19:16

Revelation 19:13

Hebrews 1:3

B. The Miracle of the Incarnation.

Hebrews 1:3

John 1:14

C. The Word/God Dwelt Among Us.

2 Corinthians 6:16

Hebrews 4:15

II. Love Saves

John 3:16

A. Love Originates with God, Not Us.

1 John 4:8

1 John 4:19

Romans 5:8

B. Love is Demonstrated by Giving.

"...that He gave His only begotten Son..."

C. Love Offers Salvation to "Whoever Believes."

Luke 19:10

Luke 5:32

III. Love Transforms

Romans 5:8

A. God Loved/Loves Us At Our Worst.

Romans 5:6

Galatians 4:4-5

B. Love is Something God "Demonstrates."

Synistemi:

Verb - Action

Present - Ongoing Demonstration

Active - God is the One doing it.

John 10:18

Indicative - Statement of Fact

Singular - One unified act.

God is actively, continually, and unmistakably placing before us the cross of Christ as living proof of His love — not as a past memory, but as a present, undeniable reality — all while we were still sinners (every sin), with no contribution of our own.

C. God's Love Changes Who We Are and How We Live.

1 John 3:10

1 John 4:7-13

John 13:34-35

Matthew 22:37-39