ALL IN

As we enter a new year, Jon Porter brings us a question to consider.

“Does God’s love really include you?”

It’s difficult for us, in our humanness, to make sense of God’s love. It doesn’t make much sense to us because we are more likely to love those who first show love to us. But, God chose us. His love is for everyone, no matter who you are or what you’ve done.

We get a clear, consistent message that God’s love is inclusive. It’s for everyone.

Three Truths about God’s love.

1. 1. God’s love includes everyone
2. 2. God’s love can be freely received
3. 3. God’s love calls believers to action

Each religion has a god who made people to serve him. But Christianity has a God who created out of love. He was here when there was nothing, hovering over us instead of abandoning us. His love enters our story in chaos, messiness, sinfulness, and brokenness.

After the serpent deceived Adam and Eve, they hid from God because they were ashamed of their nakedness.

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “ Where are you?”

He answered, I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.”

Even when Adam and Eve did what God told them not to do, he still loved them. God’s plan has always been to reach all people with his love. It’s a radical idea that God would bless all people. Those who were divided by geography, language, and politics.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. —Galatians 3:28-29

We all belong to Christ.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. — Titus 2:11

In Paul’s letters, he shatters the notion of exclusivity. We can’t put God in a box!

How do we receive God’s love? We have to accept his invitation to the banquet feast. The invitation is universal. Everyone gets the invitation, but it has to be accepted.

Oh, you think you don’t deserve it? You don’t, you’re right! In humility, no one deserves it. We all fall short. We come because we’re invited, not because we’re worthy.

The most earth shattering thing of all is that God announces the birth of the Savior to the lowest of all people—the shepherds. They were not trusted enough to appear in court as a witness.

Why would Jesus give his life for any of us? None of us deserve the sacrifice he made for us. But, as believers, we accept it and become a blessing to others. We are called to share God’s love.

Being in God’s presence will change us. We’ll live our lives with self control, be upright citizen’s, and live godly lives.

It’s not about earning God’s love, it’s about responding to it!

Jesus will transform our lives when we lift him up in the way that we live— serving others, proclaiming the gospel to them!

Have you accepted your invitation? If you haven’t gotten it yet, you’re not listening for it. It’s for everyone! Accept his love by living it out!

Do you want a message that is meant for everyone to hear? You don’t have to have it all together to join us at Milan Christian Church. All are welcome. The people are accepting, loving, and growing in our faith. Join us at 10:30 on Sunday mornings and see what we’re learning about our Savior and how to live out our faith in love.

719 E Carr St., Milan, IN 47031

In Faith,

Pam