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Loving God

May 4, 2025

May 4, 2025

It Is Finished… Or Is It Just Beginning (Part 2)

Main Scripture: John 19:28-30

In this continuation of last week’s message, the focus is on Jesus’ declaration on the cross, “It is finished,” and what that means for believers today. The sermon explores the concept that while Jesus’ work on the cross was completed, for us, it marks the beginning of a new journey of faith.

Key Themes:

  • The Finished Work of Christ

    • John 19:28-30 recounts Jesus’ final moments on the cross where He declares, “It is finished.” This signifies the completion of His mission to redeem humanity.
    • Through the cross, believers gain forgiveness, salvation, and the promise of eternal life.

  • A New Beginning in Faith

    • The resurrection of Jesus is not the end but the beginning of a new life for His followers. Colossians 1:19-22 emphasizes that through Jesus’ sacrifice, God reconciled everything to Himself.
    • Believers are called to continue in faith, as urged in Hebrews 10:19-25, where the author encourages drawing near to God with a sincere heart and holding unswervingly to hope.

Continuing in Faith

  • Belief and Action

    • Faith is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. John 20:30-31 highlights the ongoing nature of belief, urging us to continue believing in Jesus’ current and future work.
    • The story of a church praying against a nightclub next door illustrates the power of continued belief in prayer and God’s active involvement in our lives.

  • Following Jesus

    • John 21:1-14 describes Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to His disciples, emphasizing the ongoing relationship and mission He has for them.
    • The disciples’ return to fishing symbolizes a regression to old ways, but Jesus calls them back to their mission, demonstrating that their journey with Him is just beginning.

Loving God and Others

  • The Greatest Commandments

    • Jesus’ conversation with Peter in John 21:15-17 underscores the importance of continuing to love God and others.
    • The greatest commandments, as noted in Luke 10:27, are to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself.

  • Practical Love

    • Loving others involves understanding and forgiving them as we do ourselves. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages valuing others above ourselves and looking to their interests.

Conclusion

The sermon concludes with a call to action: Is your faith operating from the viewpoint of “It is finished” or “It’s just beginning”? The answer lies in embracing both perspectives. The finished work of Christ empowers us to embark on a lifelong journey of faith, continually believing, following, and loving in His name.

This message invites reflection on how we live out our faith daily, urging us to see our spiritual journey as an ongoing process of growth and commitment. As we hold onto the “It is finished,” we must also step into the “It’s just beginning,” ensuring our faith is active and vibrant, rooted in the love and teachings of Jesus Christ.

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