HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF THE FATHER

                                                                 1 John 3:1

  Introduction

        A.  I wish I had the wisdom and articulation to describe to you the degree of God’s

              love, but I don’t.

        B.  Hymnal, page 267

        C.  Let’s focus on the working of God’s love.  Romans 8:35-39

  I.  The challenge of God’s love.  V35

        A.  There are times when we face discouragement, disappointment, crises, death

              etc.

              1.  How will we deal with these circumstances?

              2.  As Christians we can face them knowing that the love of God is with us.

                    Romans 8:35; Philippians 4:13

II.  The conquest of God’s love.  Romans 8:35-39

         A.  Sometimes Christians go down in defeat when the difficulties of life test

               them because they depend on their own strength. 

         B.  We must rely on God and His love.  Philippians 4:6-8; Hebrews 11:36-39

III.  The conversion of God’s love.

         A.  God has demonstrated His love for us by sending Jesus to die for us.  Romans

               5:8

         B.  The apostle Paul writes more in detail about the sacrifice of Christ in 1 Cor.

               15:1-3.

         C.  How do we unite with Christ’ sacrifice?  Romans 6:1-7

  Conclusion

         A.  God’s love is always there for us.  It’s assuring to know that nothing can come

               between us and the love of God - unless we, ourselves, allow it.