GOD’S LOVE LETTER
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: John 3:1-18
Text: John 3:16
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Introduction: The Bible is many things. It is a sword to pierce the heart of an unbeliever and show him his need of salvation. It is food for the nourishment of the new believer. It is a guidebook for his daily walk. It is an instruction book on performing the will and work of God. It is a plumbline by which all ministries and messages may be measured.
This morning I want to point out to you that the Bible is
GOD’S LOVE LETTER.
The sender is God.
The subject is God’s love.
The stamp is the Christian, especially that soul-winning Christian.
The special part of the letter is THE GOSPEL.
I. THE BIBLE IS A PURE LETTER OF LOVE
Psalms 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
A. It is pure in its preparation – 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21
B. It is pure in its precepts
C. It is pure in its preservation – Psalms 12:6-7
D. It is pure in its provocation
II. THE BIBLE IS A PERSONAL LETTER OF LOVE
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
A. It is sent to you as an individual
1. Not “to whom it may concern”
2. Not a form letter
3. Not a mass mailout
4. Not email spam
B. It shows God’s affection for you as an individual
1. You can put your name in John 3:16 in “the world” and in “whosoever” because it applies to YOU.
C. It supplies your needs as an individual
1. For forgiveness
2. For freedom
3. For the future
4. For fullness of joy and peace
III. THE BIBLE IS A PROMISING LETTER OF LOVE
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
A. It promises pardon by the blood of Christ
B. It promises peace
1. Peace with God (Romans 5:1)
2. The peace OF God (Philippians 4:7)
3. “My” peace (John 14:27)
4. Great peace (Psalms 119:165)
C. It promises provision (Philippians 4:19)
D. It promises a place in heaven (John 14:1-3)
E. It promises power (Philippians 4:13)
IV. THE BIBLE IS A PROPOSING LETTER OF LOVE
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
The Bible gives God’s invitation to sinners to come to God
A. By the Spirit of God
1. Reproving of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8)
2. Revealing the Savior (John 16:14)
B. By the soul-winner (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)
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Michael D. O’Neal (Proverbs 11:30), Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church |