The Overflow of Love: Christ’s Unconditional Gift

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

by Jamie Pantastico

On June 21, 2023

1 John 4:7-11

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

 

As believers, we are predestined recipients of extraordinary love—the love that pours from the very essence of God Himself. We are called to love one another (all people, not just other believers), for love finds its source in God. It is through love that we demonstrate our connection to Him and our understanding of His character.

 

The pinnacle of God’s love was revealed in the work of the cross. In His boundless love, God sent His only Son to bear the weight of our sins, providing us with the opportunity to experience eternal life through Him. This sacrificial act epitomizes the true nature of love—unconditional, selfless, and without measure.

 

We must grasp the profound truth that our love for God did not initiate this divine love; rather, it was God who first loved us. His love reaches beyond our merits, flaws, and shortcomings. As recipients of such incomprehensible love, we are compelled to reflect it in our relationships with one another.

 

Let us embrace the reality of God’s love and allow it to overflow into our lives (and we do this by studying His word daily). May His sacrificial love be our motivation to love one another (Galatians 2:20), and to extend grace, forgiveness, and compassion. By doing so, we become living testaments to the (heart) transformative power of Christ’s love at work within us.

 

Thank you for reading.

Please consider sharing this post on social media.

 

Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

 

 

 

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

 

Z

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

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Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

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When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

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What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

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What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

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What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

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Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

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Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

 

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

  1. God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
  2. The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
  3. But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-42cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

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