“Why Would God Love a Sinner Like Me?”

Dec.18, 2011 1Jn 4:7-16/various  Play AUDIO (32 kbps mp3)

‘CUTE’ - OR COSTLY?

•    first Nativity not nearly so idealized as modern presentations

•    risking extreme cost like soldier returning to rescue comrades

NOT THAT WE COULD BOAST, OR THAT GOD IS ARBITRARY

•    not loved because of our merit / holiness

•    God of reformed ‘tulip’ a distortion: limited atonement vs. wants all to be saved

THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S MERCY

•    God’s love for sinners rooted in His mercy, grace, kindness

•    enlivening through rebirth part of the mystery

•    our believing in Jesus essential

•    human ‘falling in love’ not entirely rational

•    God’s “song...with me”: resonance in spirit

“HOW ODD OF GOD TO CHOOSE THE JEWS” [WN Ewer]

•    Israel not chosen because of greatness, but God’s love / faithfulness

•    God’s love for the ‘least’: orphan / widow / alien etc.

•    God’s ‘agape’ not to derive benefit for oneself

•    inscrutability of God’s choosing a nation / individuals

O HOW HE LOVES YOU AND ME

•    precious, honoured, treasured

•    blessing, especially eternal life

•    saves, rescues - as Israel from Egypt

•    a ‘giving’ love: sent His only Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins

•    protection, security

•    God shows Himself to us in love

RESPONDING TO SUCH GREAT LOVE

•    if we love God, will respond by glorifying and obeying Him

•    give cheerfully, lay down our lives

•    Christ’s love moved barber to compassion for competitor