John 15:9, (Jesus said) "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love."
(Followed by "You Can Be A Channel Of God's Love")
First, we see the great love the Heavenly Father has for His only begotten Son. In Mark 1:11, we see also how pleased the Heavenly Father was with His Son, "And there came a voice from Heaven, saying, 'Thou art my beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.'"
Second, Jesus says, "so have I loved you." 1 John 4:19 says, "We love Him, because He first loved us." And in 1 John 4:9, "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him." And Jesus freely laid down His life for us, "No man taketeth (my life) from me, but I lay it down of myself." John 10:18.
Because of sin and rebellion, we were unlovable when we were lost. But Oh, how He loved us! (see John 11:36). Romans 5:8 says, "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Grace may be defined as the "unmerited favor of God" toward us as sinners. It is "everything for nothing for those who deserve the exact opposite." Grace is the supreme expression of God's love.
LastLY, Jesus says, "continue ye in my love." In John 15:12, He says, "This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you." But, more than a commandment, I believe it is an opportunity and a priveledge to be able to share the love of God with others.
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based on John 15:9
1. The Father's love for the Son.
See Mark 1:11; Matthew 17:5; 2 Peter 1:17
2. The Son's love for us.
See John 11:36; 15:13; Romans 5:7-8; John 10:18
3. "Continue in my love" (John 15:9).
"Abide in my love" (verse 10). "Walk in love" (Ephesians 5:2).
a. Sharing His love brings joy (John 15:11).
b. Sharing His love is necessary (John 15:12).
c. Sharing His love is proof (John 13:35).
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May God speak to your heart! Bob Conar