Dr. Rob White - January 31, 2016
Believe - Chapter 3
January 31st, 2016
A sermon based on "Believe" by Randy Frazee by Rev. Dr. Rob White for Athens Universal Life Church
From Series: "Believe"
Believe is a unique spiritual growth journey that helps you to think, act, and be more like Jesus. In it, general editor and pastor Randy Frazee walks you through the ten key Beliefs of the Christian faith, the ten key Practices of a Jesus-follower, and the ten key Virtues that characterize someone who is becoming more like Jesus. Each chapter uses short topical passages from the New International Version to help you live the story of the Bible. As you journey through this book, whether in a group or on your own, one simple truth will become undeniably clear: what you believe drives everything. Each chapter includes both Old Testament and New Testament Scripture passages that relate to the specific belief, practice, or virtue in that chapter. Chapters being with a key question, a key idea, and a key verse to guide the reader, along with helpful introductions, summaries, and through-provoking questions. Using this edition of Believe, church families around the globe can now embrace a full ministry year through worship services, small group studies, and family activities. About the BELIEVE experience Know what you believe and why it matters. Grounded in Scripture, BELIEVE is a unique discipleship experience that helps Christians of all ages become more like Jesus in their beliefs, actions, and character. This series illuminates the core beliefs of the Christian faith to help you think, act, and be more like Christ. The BELIEVE experience includes books of carefully selected Scripture for adults, students, and kids; a companion book for discipleship and growth; a storybook and a coloring book for children; and curriculum for every age group. All editions of BELIEVE unpack 30 key ideas of the Bible: 10 key beliefs, 10 key practices, and 10 key virtues of a Christian, so your whole church can learn to be more like Jesus together.
More Messages from Dr. Rob White...
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In a powerful sermon rooted in Luke 7:36-8:3, the theme of unconditional love takes center stage. The narrative begins with a Pharisee, Simon, inviting Jesus to a banquet. The scene takes an unexpected turn when a woman known for her sins enters, demonstrating a profound act of love by washing Jesus’ feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, and anointing them with fragrant oil.
The Pharisee, skeptical of Jesus’ prophethood, questions why Jesus would allow such a woman to touch him. In response, Jesus tells a parable about forgiveness, illustrating that those forgiven much will love much. The woman’s extravagant love stems from the immense forgiveness she has received from Jesus, contrasting with Simon’s lack of hospitality and love.
The sermon draws a parallel with the story of Don Quixote and Dulcinea, emphasizing that love transforms and makes us better. Like the fictional character who sees beyond a woman’s coarse exterior, Jesus looks beyond societal labels, offering forgiveness and helping individuals see their potential for goodness.
This transformative love extends beyond the forgiven woman to other women in the narrative. Luke 8:1-3 mentions women healed by Jesus, including Mary Magdalene and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward. These women, transformed by Jesus’ love, reciprocate by serving and supporting Jesus and his disciples from their possessions.
The preacher reflects on the impactful role of women in Christian history, acknowledging their crucial contributions in supporting missions, aiding the needy, and fostering Christian fellowship. While society may have considered their roles subordinate, the sermon contends that their support was not demeaning but essential.
The message concludes with a universal invitation to embrace Christ’s love, highlighting its potential to change lives, regardless of age, gender, or social status. Christ’s love, the sermon asserts, can multiply our offerings, be they small or great, transforming both hearts and resources for the greater good.
In essence, the sermon illuminates the profound impact of unconditional love, emphasizing that forgiveness and acceptance have the power to change lives. By drawing parallels between biblical narratives and relatable stories, the preacher skillfully communicates a timeless message of love’s transformative potential, inspiring readers to reflect on their own capacity for forgiveness and kindness.