*Sunday 31 May 2026* *Sermon 1a: THE LOVE OF GOD* Greetings beloved ones of Christ 🌱. To the saints of God and to you also, souls who will believe in the name of His Son, may Grace and Peace from the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. *. Preface* Love is the most talked-about word, yet the least understood. We chase it in relationships, work for it, and beg for it. But God’s love doesn’t work like ours. It doesn’t wait for us to deserve it, ask for it, or fix ourselves first. This sermon confronts us with _Rudo RwaMwari_ - the love of God - a love that came down into a broken, captive world as a gift: Jesus Christ. As you read, ask yourself: Have I truly received this gift, or am I still trying to earn what was already given? _Contact_ :+263778103973 *"Join this WhatsApp Group. The message of Jesus Christ in English language."* Click the link below👇👇https://chat.whatsapp.com/IcT8ipzcUXH6vNcMHRuLPR?s=cl&p=a&ilr=2&amv=0 Scripture📖 * _For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life._ John 3:16 🟢 God loved the world and showed His love by giving it His only Son. Right here we already see the demonstration of love by God. 🟢 He gave His only Son as a gift to the World. A gift is something you’re given without having sought it or asked for it, you’re given it without doing anything to deserve it. This Son is a gift given to the world. The world did not ask for the Son. This gift is not many, it is only one. 🟢 The world is not righteous. And the world is where Satan dwells. The world is in captivity under the Devil. _We know that we are children of God, *and that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one.*_ 1 John 5:19 The world is a symbol of Satan’s kingdom. The world = people who are not saved. The world is facing a great judgment (Acts 17:30-31) because it has sinned, it is not righteous, its works are corrupt. So into that world came the love of God, shown by the coming of His Son who is the Messiah, the Lord and Savior of the world, so that the world may be saved by Him. At His birth He was told to be named Jesus because He is the Savior of His people. _She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins._ Matthew 1:21 That Son is called Jesus. He is the only one who can save, to take people out of sin. And Because He is coming to save His people through His Truth as He says here 👇👇 _Then you will know the truth, and the truth *will set you free*._ Jesus answered them, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave *to sin*. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be *free* indeed.” John 8:32, 34-36 God cares for His people, He won’t leave their souls in distress under the yoke of sin. He brought the Deliverer, His Son, so that people may be set free through Him. Believing (receiving the gift) delivers from death because the whole world lies in death. So receiving Him brings salvation. There is nowhere else you will find true Love except in God. *Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.* 1 Timothy 1:15 Salvation is not searched for, it just comes. And the world cannot justify itself, it failed to save itself. This word is being preached to you so that you may turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus, so that your sins may be wiped away. *. Summary* This sermon centers on John 3:16 and explains God’s love as sacrificial, undeserved, and freeing. Three main truths are laid out: 1. *God’s love is demonstrated*: He didn’t just speak love, He gave His only Son as a gift. A gift is unasked for and unearned. 2. *The world’s condition is desperate*: The world is unrighteous, under Satan’s power, facing judgment. It cannot save itself. 3. *Jesus is the solution*: He came as Savior and Truth to set sinners free. Salvation comes not by searching, but by believing and receiving Him through repentance and baptism in His name. The call is clear: Turn to God, because true love and true freedom are found in Christ alone. 📝 Lesson - 3 Key Points* *Point 1: God’s Love is a Gift, Not a Wage* _Text: John 3:16_ We don’t earn God’s love. The world never asked for a Savior, yet God gave one. A gift is received by faith, not by works. If you’re trying to “be good enough” for God, you’ve missed the point. He loved first. *Point 2: The World is Sick and Cannot Heal Itself* _Text: 1 John 5:19, Acts 17:30-31_ The sermon calls the world “Satan’s kingdom” - a place of sin, captivity, and coming judgment. Religion, money, or self-effort cannot fix a heart enslaved to sin. Diagnosis must come before cure. We must see our need before we value the Savior. *Point 3: Jesus Brings Freedom Through Truth* _Text: John 8:32-36, Matthew 1:21_ Jesus didn’t come just to improve us, He came to free us. Sin makes us slaves, but the Son makes us sons. His truth breaks chains. This freedom is accessed by belief - receiving the gift - which leads to repentance and baptism in Jesus’ name for forgiveness of sins. *📚. Study Questions* Use these for personal reflection or small group discussion: 1. *Understanding the Gift* The sermon says “a gift is given without seeking or asking”. How does that change the way you relate to God compared to trying to “earn” His approval? 2. *Diagnosing the Problem* Why does the sermon emphasize that “the world is not righteous” and “lies under the power of the evil one”? Do you agree with this view of the world? Why or why not? 3. *Jesus the Only Savior* Matthew 1:21 says Jesus “will save His people from their sins”. What does it mean that He is the “only one who can save”? How does this challenge pluralistic ideas that “all roads lead to God”? 4. *Freedom vs Slavery* John 8:34 says “everyone who sins is a slave to sin”. What area of your life feels like slavery right now? How does Jesus as “Truth” bring freedom to that area? 5. *Response to the Message* The sermon ends with a call to “turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus”. What is keeping you from responding to this call? What would “receiving the gift” look like for you today? 6. *Application* 1 Timothy 1:15 says Christ came to save sinners “of whom I am the worst”. 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