GOD SPEAKS IN CHRIST

Hebrews 1:1-4

April 2, 1995

INTRODUCTION

a. Many ask, "How does God speak?"

1. With an audible voice or circumstances

2. How do I know what He is saying

b. Throughout the ages God has been searching for people who have ears to hear and hearts willing to respond to spiritual truths.

c. God has spoken in His Word - the Bible - and in our hearts by the Spirit - and in the world by nature's order

d. But in these days God speaks clearly by His Son Jesus Christ

e. What does He say

I. IN CHRIST, GOD SPEAKS OF HIS NATURE

a. His nature and character are unique

b. Some see God as only the all powerful principle behind the universe

1. Some as the cold uncaring engineer of the universe

c. In the Old Testament God progressively reveals Himself through the priests and prophets and psalmists

d. His revelation becomes more clear and complete in the coming of God's Son Jesus

1. Jesus taught that God is Good and that He is Love

2. Not to be seen as a King but as a Heavenly Father

e. God is the Good Shepherd, who seeks out and searches for His sheep

f. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance

II. IN CHRIST, GOD SPEAKS OF OUR NEED OF SALVATION

a. Jesus defined His purpose for coming into the world in terms of our need of salvation

1. John's announcement, "Behold the Lamb of God ...."

2. Jesus said, "Came to seek and save the lost"

3. Paul declares that, "Christ died for our sins"

b. The Dreadfulness of sin is seen in Christ's death on the Cross

1. Sin has an awful price - death

2. That price paid by Christ

III. IN CHRIST, GOD SPEAKS OF HIS INFLEXIBLE JUSTICE

a. It seems paradoxical but the God of love and mercy is also the God of Justice

1. The law of God dictates that, "the soul that sins shall die"

2. "The wages of sin is death"

b. This God of love could not ignore His justice

1. So He sent a Savior to satisfy His justice

2. Jesus died for us that we need not die for our sins

c. God Loved us so much He sent His Son to die for us so that His justice would be satisfied

IV. IN CHRIST, GOD SPEAKS OF HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US

a. John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

b. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

c. Communication is done in many ways - with words, cards, expressions and actions

1. One powerful way is to suffer for another - that communicates love

V. IN CHRIST, GOD SPEAKS OF HIS CLAIM ON OUR LIVES

a. If all this is true:

1. God created us to have fellowship with Him

2. We all are sinful and separated from God

3. We cannot earn or merit God's favor or pleasure

4. God sent Christ to die for our sins that we might be saved

5. Then because of what He has done, He makes claims on us

a. Little boy and toy boat - twice mine

b. We must respond in faith

1. Child wanting to pay at counter - who really paid

c. Also calls His children to share with others

1. He has no other plan but each of us telling others our story

2. One beggar telling another where to find bread

3. Inviting those you care about into a relationship with Him

INVITATION

a. If you do not know Christ - Today id the day

b. All others - look at green card in bulletin

1. Take a moment and think this over

2. Fill in some names quickly

3. Take some time with this and then begin to work on it

a. Let's fill up this place on FRIEND DAY - before is OK too

SHARE THE BREAD

SHARE THE CUP