Message Notes

(I) THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

1. A Message of Love

a) A True Love

b) A Profound Love

c) A Magnificent Love

2. A Needed Message

a) To a world so hardened that it cannot comprehend God’s love

b) To people who hurt so much they cannot feel the reality of God’s love

c) To people who are so heavily laden they cannot lift up their eyes to God

(II) GOD’S LOVE MOST CLEARLY EXPRESSED

God’s clearest demonstration of His love is seen in sending Jesus to be born on earth that First Christmas.

1. Born in a manger- He understood poverty

2. Forced to flee from His hometown to Egypt- He understood oppression

3. Misunderstood and maligned by people- He understood human suffering

4. Crucified by wicked people- He undertook and fulfilled God’s plan for salvation of mankind

(III) RESPONDING TO THE LOVE OF GOD

1. Believing in Jesus

Through faith in Jesus God grants eternal life.

“Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16b

2. Receiving Jesus

Through receiving in Jesus God receives us as His children

“For as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name .” John 1:12

3. Experiencing the love of God

God’s love is poured out into our hearts through a special work of the Holy Spirit

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5