From:
Date: October 20, 2020
Subject: It's October 20; Good Morning Union
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world.” John 3:17
Dad’s second verse in his understanding of God’s Absolute love was actually John 3:16, but he used to always say, “Never quote John 3:16 without verse 17.”
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.”
God is about loving, and giving, and saving; He is NOT about condemning. If we are all His children (see yesterday’s GMU) what Father who loves His children would want to hurt them, or deflate them, or condemn them or reject them? Even if there are father’s who do (and I know there are some out there and I’m so sorry if yours was or is one of them) I know I can always turn to my heavenly Father who is not about those things but is about loving, giving and saving.
Romans 8:1, “There is therefore NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ.” I am reminded again this morning, as I continue to build my spiritual resiliency against the distractions of this world, that I am not only loved as a child of God, but that I do not have to live with any condemnation because of what Jesus has already done for me. I can’t get distracted from that assurance or from that love. I will be eaten alive by anxiety and self-destruct with fear. None of that has to be a part of my life when I realize what my Father is all about. I am a child of God, loved, saved, and not condemned, not because I deserve it but because that’s the kind of Father I have.
Right now I need that stability in my life so I can not just survive but I can thrive and offer that kind of assurance to those who are distracted and overwhelmed. I’ll never win the war against global warming, injustice, COVID, or any of the other challenges this sinful world has, and though I will be responsible toward all those things as a citizen of humanity, I will not allow them to consume me. “My hope is built in nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”
Have a great day NOT feeling condemned, but knowing you are loved and saved,
Pastor Rich
Quote for the day: “Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.”
PS Pastor Gua is in Campus Ministries from noon-2pm to provide you the option of a female pastor perspective. You can make an appointment by contacting Pastor Gua at gmontour@collegeviewchurch.org (978) 333-1209 • Mobile, or just drop in and see if she is busy!
PPS Christ on Demand- 7:30pm weekly in the Shawnee Porter Room. 30 minutes of songs and the Word. All are welcome. This week Trina Cress will be sharing her journey.