A mini sermon by Jeffry Aucompaugh, country boy and member of DFBC
Introduction: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to reflect upon the unchanging love and tender lovingkindness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We draw inspiration from Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever," and explore the profound depth of God's love for us as revealed in John 3:16 and the healing miracle found in Mark 5:41.
I. The Unchanging Love of Christ: In Hebrews 13:8, we are reminded that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This verse speaks to the unchanging nature of Christ's love. His love for humanity has remained constant throughout history, from the moment of creation to our present day.
II. God's Ultimate Expression of Love: In John 3:16, we find the most profound expression of God's love: "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." God's love for us was so immense that He willingly sacrificed His Son to provide us with the gift of eternal life. It is a love beyond measure, a love that transcends time and space.
III. The Touch of Tender Lovingkindness: Now, let us turn to Mark 5:41, where Jesus took a damsel by the hand and said, "Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise." In this moment, we see the profound nature of Christ's love. The word "Talitha" in Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke, can indeed be interpreted as "Lamb." This revelation adds a new layer of depth to this passage. It signifies the affectionate love and tenderness that Christ has for us.
IV. Application: What does all of this mean for us today? It means that we serve a God whose love is unchanging, eternal, and filled with tender lovingkindness. It means that no matter our circumstances, no matter our past, and no matter our mistakes, His love remains unwavering. He extends His hand to us, just as He did to the damsel, calling us to rise from the darkness and into His light.
Conclusion: As we reflect on these verses, let us be overwhelmed by the incredible depth of God's love. Let us remember that we are dearly loved, cherished, and held by our Heavenly Father. May we, in turn, extend His love to others, sharing the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. May our lives be a testimony to the unchanging, everlasting, and tender lovingkindness of our Lord.
Closing Prayer: Gracious and loving Father, we thank you for your unchanging and eternal love. Help us to comprehend the depth of your tender lovingkindness and to share that love with others. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, we pray. Amen.
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