November 26th, 2023
Today is the day of worship and fellowship with our family at Sarasota Baptist Church. Let’s Awaken our hearts in preparation for the day by prayerfully reading the Gospel of John chapter 3.
ZOOM INTO Verses 16 & 17. Prayerfully answer – “What does Christmas mean to me?” Write out your response in a journal.
John chapter 3, verse 16 is the theme of the sermon series – “THAT’S WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME!” This is possibly the most familiar of all Bible verses and it’s about the real God who loves. How startling it is when we begin to imagine the wonder of such love, the miracle of the gift named Jesus!
Across the pages of Scripture, we’re touched by the uniqueness of the God-man Jesus.
Christ’s words were startling and His miracles amazing, but everything He said and did was meant to call attention to how He loved.
Let’s take a moment now to reflect on how Jesus loved people and how He startled them with His love.
Pause now and reflect on the startling love of Jesus:
Jesus, you first startled me with love as you brought me into relationship with you; pause to give Him thanks. “Lord, I give you thanks for startling me with your love when _________________________.
Jesus, do it again; keep it up! “Dear Lord, open the eyes of my heart that I may not miss the abundance and constancy of your startling love. Recently I experienced your love when ____________________________________________” (write out your response in a journal).
Does Christmas mean to you that God startles you by His love? If so, prayerfully share with someone by asking the question – “What does Christmas mean to you?” Listen with a caring heart to their response; then wait for the person to ask you. Give a reason of the hope that lives in you.
ZOOM INTO Verses 16 & 17. Prayerfully answer – “What does Christmas mean to me?” Write out your response in a journal.
John chapter 3, verse 16 is the theme of the sermon series – “THAT’S WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME!” This is possibly the most familiar of all Bible verses and it’s about the real God who loves. How startling it is when we begin to imagine the wonder of such love, the miracle of the gift named Jesus!
Across the pages of Scripture, we’re touched by the uniqueness of the God-man Jesus.
Christ’s words were startling and His miracles amazing, but everything He said and did was meant to call attention to how He loved.
Let’s take a moment now to reflect on how Jesus loved people and how He startled them with His love.
- Jesus startled the woman at the well (John 4),
- The crippled man at the pool (John 5),
- The woman taken in adultery (John 8),
- Zacchaeus (Luke 19),
- And lepers by healing their bodies and bringing dignity to their lives, sometimes even touching them to heal them (Luke 5:12,13; 17:11-19).
Pause now and reflect on the startling love of Jesus:
Jesus, you first startled me with love as you brought me into relationship with you; pause to give Him thanks. “Lord, I give you thanks for startling me with your love when _________________________.
Jesus, do it again; keep it up! “Dear Lord, open the eyes of my heart that I may not miss the abundance and constancy of your startling love. Recently I experienced your love when ____________________________________________” (write out your response in a journal).
Does Christmas mean to you that God startles you by His love? If so, prayerfully share with someone by asking the question – “What does Christmas mean to you?” Listen with a caring heart to their response; then wait for the person to ask you. Give a reason of the hope that lives in you.
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