1John 3:1-3

Today is father’s day. We celebrate men who take care of their families, teach their children, protect them, love them and provide for them. Perhaps your father was much like mine. Dad went to war in World War 2 to protect our way of life. Dad took us to church every Sunday 4^th pew on the right directly in front of the pulpit. He taught us respect for authority. Dad taught us about love, sacrifice, and responsibility when we took in my 4 cousins and made them part of our family. That is what I celebrate today. This passage reminds us of the Fathers love for us and our need to respond to it.

1.       How great a love

a.       Lavished upon us, pour out, nothing held back, crazy, ridiculous love

b.      The cat with a crystal bowl and diamond collar

c.       Jesus left the splendor of heaven for earth

d.      Suffered and died on the cross for us

e.      Brought us in as adopted children

f.        Heals our wounds, restores our spirits, forgives our sin, and lavishes us with love.

 

2.       The world does not know us or Jesus

a.       Vs 1 The world does not know us or Jesus

b.      1 Cor 2:14 spiritually

c.       Vs 3 purifies himself (to be the best reflection of Jesus you can be)

 

3.       Great expectations

a.       Go into all the world

b.      Teach them every thing

c.       Make them followers of Me

d.      You will be my witnesses

 

Everything we do, every choice we make, and everything we say, is telling the world about our Heavenly Father, and our savior Jesus. It is only through you that they will get a glimpse of the love the Father has lavished on us, that we may be called children of God.