We encounter
the love of God in the Father
Helmut Thielicke
calls it the parable of “the Waiting Father.” Thielicke changes the ego-centric,
human-focused approach of the “prodigal son” to a more appropriate God-focus.
In the Father, we encounter love like we’ve never known it.
We live in a culture
in which John 3:16 on a placard in the end zone is interpreted as “meet you
in the men’s room, third level, stall 16.” The greatest news in the history
of man has become an enigma to most. Trinity Sunday addresses this unacceptable
situation. It is the Trinity that forms the foundation of our evangelism.
We make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit.
Belief in the Trinity requires obedience to the great commission.
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We not only live
in a “God-challenged” culture, we live in a “love-deprived” culture. We have
substituted physical, sexual satisfaction for love. We’ve substituted companionship
for love. We’ve substituted entertainment for love. God is the answer to those
concerns. He fills the void we have in our lives.
Paul’s benediction
calls for the love of God to be with us. It’s among the richest prayer wishes
we could ask for. May this Sunday remind us of love.
We experience
the presence of God in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus
amazes us with His statement in John 16:17, “it is for your good that I am going
away.” We realize now that without leaving, His Spirit could not take up residence
with us. Jesus was geographically limited to one place at one time. His Spirit
isn’t.
We
are reminded in Romans 8 and Ephesians 1 that through the Spirit of God we are
blessed in every way. In the Spirit, we experience God. He speaks to us, bears
us up, intercedes for us, assures us, comforts us, shapes us in the likeness
of Christ, and so much more.
Every time the
gospel is preached and men listen, God is experienced in the Spirit. Read the
book of Acts. Not a conversion experience is reported without the presence
of His Spirit. We are renewed, continually in the presence of God through His
Spirit (Eph. 5:18). He works in us to produce joyful singing (vs. 19), gratitude
(vs. 20), mutual submission (vs. 21), healthy marriages (vs. 22ff.), rewarding
families (6:1-4) and honorable relationships (6:5-9).
This Trinity Sunday
we are reminded we live in the company of God, through the fellowship of His
Spirit. May this Sunday remind us of fellowship. This Sunday, may the grace
of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the
Spirit be with you.
1. Wiersbe, W.
W. (1996, c1989). The Bible exposition commentary.
Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.
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Sermon brief provided by: Chuck Sackett, professor of preaching at Lincoln
Christian Seminary in Lincoln, IL