Amazing love

Our pastor's sermon this morning really hit home. The following is taken from my notes...

We all know it - John 3:16. We all probably learned it at a very early age, learned it by heart as a memory verse. Jonah, my 5 year old, can already say it by heart.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

John 3:16-17 (NIV)

Now, how do your feelings change about these verses when we change things just a bit...

"For God so loved Charles Manson, that he gave his one and only Son, that Charles Manson shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn Charles Manson, but to save Charles Manson through him."

or how about...

"For God so loved Osama bin Laden, that he gave his one and only Son, that Osama bin Laden shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn Osama bin Laden, but to save Osama bin Laden through him."

Tough, huh? Yet, isn't it truth? If Charles Manson and Osama bin Laden or anyone for that matter, changed their wicked ways and called upon the name of Jesus, truly repented and believed the truth in these verses, would they not be saved? We know the answer. God is the creator of all things...all people...including Manson and bin Laden. He loves THEM and sent his Son for THEM, as well as for me and you. Amazing love, for sure.

Now, put YOUR name in the verse.

"For God so loved you that he gave his one and only son, that you shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn you but to save you through him."

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Matthew 5: 43-44

Amazing love, how can it be, that you my King would die for me? Amazing love, I know it's true. It's my joy to honor you - in all I do - I honor you.