Main Thought
God’s mission in the world began with love. God was not moved into action because the world was worthy. The world was, and is, marked by darkness. God moved because of the great depth of His love. His love is perfect in quality and infinite in quantity. It is a determined love that culminated in the sending of Jesus into our brokenness to rescue and restore us.
The Father’s great love does not only invite us out of darkness and into eternal life; it also invites us to share in God’s determination and participate in His mission. Throughout church history, those who truly comprehended the love of God were compelled to join the mission of God. We can join with Him - through determined, sacrificial love - to invite others into the great destiny of those who believe. Eternal life, unconditional love, peace, joy, lasting hope and much more await all who believe.
Main Passages
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
- John 3:16
“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light…”
- John 3:19
“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
- John 17:3
Discussion Questions
Eternal life is described as knowing God, not just life after death. How does that change the way you think about following Jesus right now?
God’s love is unconditionally offered but conditionally experienced. (For example, John 3:16 offers a qualifier: “whoever believes in Him.”) What does that mean, and why is this distinction important in faith or mission?
The love of God compelled people in Scripture and history into mission. How might God be inviting you to participate in His mission in a practical way right now?