Cover to Cover - Understanding God's True Love | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

Understanding God's True Love | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

ICEBREAKER:

How did you see God move this last week?

Summary:

Pastor Greg Ford explains the essence of God's love as a foundational aspect of the Christian faith. He articulates how this love has manifested throughout biblical history—from the creation narrative to the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as the ultimate expression of God's love. The study emphasizes understanding our relationship with God and recognizing His constant, unconditional love toward humanity.

Key Points

  1. God’s Original Design: God created humanity for relationship, evident in the Garden of Eden.

  2. Free Will and Brokenness: Humanity's free will resulted in choices leading to brokenness, yet God seeks to restore this relationship.

  3. Covenant Love: God established covenants with figures like Abraham, showcasing His commitment to humanity.

  4. Jesus as the Fulfillment: Jesus represents the ultimate expression of God's love, as He embodies the fulfillment of God's promises.

  5. Responsive Relationship: Understanding God's love calls us to respond without guilt or fear, freely coming to Him.

    • Scripture References

    • Genesis 1-3: The creation and the fall of humanity.

    • Genesis 12:1-3: God’s covenant with Abraham.

    • Luke 4:16-21: Jesus reads from Isaiah, proclaiming the good news.

    • John 3:16: "For God so loved the world..."

    • Romans 8:38-39: Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Conclusion:

This study reveals that God's love is not just a theological concept but a transformative reality that invites us into a deeper, more personal relationship with Him. Understanding this love empowers and frees us to live in response to His grace and to share that love with others.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you understand the concept of free will in relation to God’s love?

  2. In what ways do you see God’s covenantal love active in your life today?

  3. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s love?

  4. How can we practically respond to God’s love in our daily lives?

Guided Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your immeasurable love that surpasses our understanding. Help us to grasp the depth of your love as revealed throughout scripture. Give us the courage to respond to your love, stripping away any fears or doubts. As we walk in the light of your love, may we reflect that love to others in our words and actions. Teach us to trust you more deeply and to embrace our identity as your beloved children.

One Church