A love Story
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The story of Christmas is a story of love.
In the book, “Day by Day with Billy Graham,” compiled and edited by Joan Winmill Brown, a story Billy Graham told is recorded as follows:
“The great Swiss theologian, Dr. Karl Barth, was probably in his generation the greatest theologian in the world, and a great philosopher as well. I did not always agree with him, but he was my friend and I respected him. While he was in this country, a student at one of the seminaries said,
‘Dr. Barth, what is the greatest truth that ever crossed your mind?’
All the seminary students were sitting on the edge of their seats to hear some great, profound deep, complicated answer.
Dr. Barth slowly raised his great shaggy gray head and looked at the student and said,
‘Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.’ “
The students expected some wieldy theological jargons grounded in some deep philosophy, but Karl Barth put the truth of the gospel in the simplest language for them – It is about love.
The Bible, from Genesis to Revelations, is about love; specifically the love of a powerful and Holy God, towards weak and sinful man. This love is what culminated in the incarnation of Jesus the Christ.
We have touched on some aspects of this love story in that past few days by exploring how valuable each soul is to God in, “The Value of A soul,” how close God is to us in “Where is God?“, our response to Jesus’ sacrifice of love in, “Near the cross,” and God’s assurances to be with us in, “I will be with you,“ and, “You will never walk alone.“
We look at why we need to believe Him, today.
READ John 3:17
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
(John 3:17 ESV)
Christ came purposely to save. It is founded on love, which is at the core of everything He did.
He Himself said
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
(John 15:9)
And later said,
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
(John 15:13)
Just like Dr. Karl Barth, I can also confidently say,
‘Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.’
A lot is written, but in the final analysis, it is simply a love story.
MEMORY VERSE
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
(John 15:9)
QUESTIONS
- In what ways have you felt the Father’s love?
- What has been your response?
PRAYER TIP
Father, Thank You for
loving me, just as I am.
URGENT CALL
Every soul is valuable to God, far more than the entire world! But by nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God, and we ultimately face his wrath!
God in His mercy and love made a way for us to remedy this. He gives us a chance to reverse this downward spiral to destruction, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.
The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved.
Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.
It is a very personal decision. No one can make that decision for you.
If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God! A soul, much, much more valuable than the world, has been saved from destruction!
Do you want to make that decision today?
Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer”
for guidance if you want
to make that decision.
We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page, or the ones at the top of this page. Don’t delay. Make this very personal decision today!
God richly bless you.
SPECIAL GRATITUDE
Thank you for visiting the Testimony Devotional Website.
We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled.
We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission; and we thank you for sticking with us through this journey.
God richly bless you.
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