If the contemporary church message does not conform to the biblical and apostolic message, we must conclude that it has lost its way, and is in need of correction. What is implied is that ‘Jesus loves you’ is not the ‘gospel,’ or the apostles would have without doubt preached it as such. That apostolic preaching did not include ‘Jesus loves you’ as one of its key components, in no way implies that the Apostles thought otherwise. An appeal is made for repentance with the offer of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and salvation. The Messianic Age will reach its consummation in the return of Christ.Ħ. The Holy Spirit in the church is the sign of Christ’s present power and glory.ĥ.
By virtue of the resurrection, Jesus has been exalted at the right hand of God as Messianic head of the new Israel.Ĥ.
This has taken place through the birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.ģ. The Age of Fulfillment has dawned, the “latter days” foretold by the prophets.Ģ. Dodd’s kerygma outline is accepted as an accurate distillation of New Testament preaching. Dodd, a distinguished 20th Century New Testament scholar provided an outline that summarized the basic tenets of apostolic kerygma (preaching/proclamation) provided in the New Testament. What is more, ‘Jesus loves you’ was not a part of the apostolic preaching (greek-kerygma), found in the New Testament.Ĭ.H. There is a grave danger, however, in reducing the Christian faith to ‘Jesus loves you.’ The difficulty, simply put, is that ‘Jesus loves you’ is not the complete gospel, and is not sufficient information for genuine conversion. Perhaps the most cited verse in the Bible underscores this central truth: “For God so loved the world….” In fact, it is without doubt central to Christian doctrine. The emphasis on the love of God is not in any way unorthodox. But the greatest of these is love.It is often said that the gospel or ‘good news’ can be reduced to its lowest common denominator through the phrase ‘Jesus loves you.’ It follows that conversion may likewise condensed to ‘accepting the love of Jesus.’ “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. It is a dignity you have often forgotten, a beauty you have tarnished by sin. But I tell you again that I love you – not for what you have or haven’t done – I love you for you, for the beauty and dignity My Father gave you by creating you in His own image. I have followed you through the years, and I have always loved you – even in your wanderings. Nothing in your life is unimportant to Me. The very hairs of your head I have numbered. I come with My power, that I might carry you and all your burdens with My grace, to touch your heart and transform your life and My peace I give to still your soul. I bring you My light, to dispel your darkness and all your doubts. 15:10)) I come – longing to console you and give you strength, to lift you up and bind all your wounds. I come with My mercy, with My desire to forgive and heal you, and with a love for you beyond your comprehension – a love every bit as great as the love I have received from the Father (“As much as the Father has loved me, I have loved you…” (Jn. Silent and unseen I come, but with infinite power and love, and bringing the many gifts of My Spirit. I await even the smallest sign of your response, even the least whispered invitation that will allow Me to enter.Īnd I want you to know that whenever you invite Me, I do come – always, without fail. Even when you are not listening, even when you doubt it could be Me, I am there. I stand at the door of your heart, day and night. “‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock…’” She will remind you just how deeply God loves YOU personally. Here is a beautiful prayer Mother Teresa wrote. Thank you so much! May God bless you abundantly.” Meza, USA I am worth it because I am a child of God. I was lonely and felt worthless because of all of my failed relationships but now am moving on in my life with faith in Him. “Daily, an encouraging word of strength and hope from you makes me realize that God’s love and blessing on me are immeasurable. I am alone with my family in a city deprived of other believers.” Zahia, Algeria “The fact that I receive a message each day that is addressed to me and encourages me strengthens my walk with God and has multiplied my self-esteem. “It is a relief, a joy, to receive a personal, comforting letter that reminds me that God is so close to me and that He loves me.” Paloma, Canada Thank you all for these testimonies that will no doubt encourage other “A Miracle Every Day” readers! Jesus loves you as you are.
Today, I encourage you to read Paloma, Zahia, and Meza’s testimonies.