Compelled By Love?

So many believers struggle with receiving God’s love and acceptance. Great saints of old like Augustine, Wesley, Luther, or Spurgeon, seemed to have God’s anointing. While we know they walked with God, sometimes it feels like they were the “super saints”; God’s approved ones. But….Who am I?

So many feel insignificant in the great spiritual scheme of things. They feel like their life doesn’t matter, like God doesn’t really need them to accomplish his plan. It’s almost like God has saved them, but hasn’t loved them enough to give them what they need!

Does God still give His love and approval today?? Yes He does… Let me explain. I attended a funeral a few days ago for a pastor and evangelist to northern Quebec named Murray Heron. He was called in obscurity to reach the largest unreached people group in the Americas. Murray learned to love the people of Quebec and quickly learned French. He pastored a church, held open air meetings, and started a camp ministry.

During his years he was jailed several times for handing out Bibles and sharing the gospel on the street. The bishop didn’t like all this born-again talk, which meant the police chief didn’t like it either. His clothes were lit on fire, he was pepper sprayed, heckled and berated while preaching. Yet all the while he loved and ministered to the families of those who abused him.

At his funeral were a crowd of people whom he had led to the Lord, including several who are now pastors and missionaries. It was said that Murray loved people. He was patient, kind, and determined. Yet he preached with a zeal that made people think he actually heard from God. He talked of God and heaven as though heaven were right through “that” door!! Murray knew God and was compelled by love!

Receiving God’s Love and Approval Changes Everything This is what the Apostle Paul spoke about to his disciples in Thessalonica. He was an imitator of God and lived a life of love among the Thessalonians. He describes his own journey of receiving Gods love and approval which helped during times of opposition and how this love affected his ministry to them.

1 Thessalonians 2:8 “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” Lets look at verse 8 chunk by chunk a. We loved you so much. Paul loves these people. He loves them with the same love he himself received from God. The love that was “shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Spirit” Rom 5:5. b. that we were delighted to share with you. It was Paul’s delight to share with them. They had become close friends. His discussion was filled with joy. It was not a burden. c. not only the gospel of God. We think evangelism is proclaiming the Roman road or 4 Spiritual Laws. Surely sharing the good news in a simple clear fashion is essential. But Paul is saying that is insufficient. d. but our lives as well, Paul shared more than the facts of the gospel. He says he was gentle among them, like a mother caring for her little children. And he dealt with each of them as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging them on. e. because you had become so dear to us. This was not another notch on the gunslingers belt. His motivation was love. Paul was compelled by the love of Christ 2 Cor. 5:14. This was the deepest sharing with closest of friends. They were so dear he shared himself, his life and God’s revelation to him also.

If you or a disciple is struggling to receive God’s love and approval there are two key things to do: 1. Receiving prayer 2. Reciting promises First, you can ask God to receive His love and approval. A sample prayer is attached for your download. Second, you can daily recite and re-affirm His promises of love to you. Daily affirmations with corresponding scripture links are also attached. May God lead you and your disciples into a deeper knowledge of his love and approval! Daily Affirmations Prayer To Receive The Father’s Love

To hear a message on this topic click the link below:http://mp3.cookingwithsql.com/sermon_081014.mp3