There is a God Who Loves Me | Pastor Zac Bayless
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Day 1: Encountering God's Unconditional Love
Read Romans 5:6-11.
Today's passage reveals the profound depth of God's love for us. Paul emphasizes that Christ died for us "while we were still sinners" - not when we had our lives together or when we were worthy. This unconditional love can be hard to grasp, especially if our experiences with earthly love have been conditional or disappointing. Reflect on times when you've felt unworthy of love. How does God's unconditional love challenge those feelings? Consider writing a prayer of gratitude for God's unwavering love, acknowledging specific ways He has shown you love even in your weakest moments.
Day 2: Faith in the Risen Christ
Read John 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. As we read in John, God sent His Son not to condemn us, but to save us. The reality of the resurrection gives power to this promise. Paul goes as far as to say that if Christ hasn't been raised, our faith is futile. Today, examine your own belief in the resurrection. How does this belief impact your daily life? Are there areas where doubt creeps in? Bring these honestly before God, asking Him to strengthen your faith and help you live in the power of the resurrection.
Day 3: From Brokenness to Reconciliation
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Today's passage speaks of the new creation we become in Christ and the ministry of reconciliation we've been given. Like Don in the sermon story, many of us have experienced brokenness that seemed beyond repair. Yet God specializes in restoration. Reflect on areas in your life where you've experienced God's reconciling power. Are there still areas where you struggle to believe reconciliation is possible? Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you embrace your new identity in Christ and to show you opportunities to be an agent of reconciliation in your relationships and community.
Day 4: Hope in the Midst of Suffering
Read Romans 8:18-39.
This powerful passage reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love, even in our deepest suffering. The sermon touched on how life's hardships can make it difficult to believe in God's love. Yet Paul assures us that our present sufferings pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us. Today, identify an area of struggle or pain in your life. How might viewing this through the lens of Romans 8 change your perspective? Practice declaring God's unfailing love over this situation, even if you don't feel it emotionally.
Day 5: Walking in Freedom and Joy
Read Galatians 5:1, 13-25.
Christ's death and resurrection have secured our freedom, as today's passage emphasizes. This freedom isn't a license to sin, but an invitation to live by the Spirit. The sermon mentioned our "freedom journey" as believers. Reflect on your own journey. Where have you experienced greater freedom in Christ? Are there areas where you still feel bound? List the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in this passage. Which do you see growing in your life? Which ones need more cultivation? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in living out your freedom in Christ more fully today.
Read Romans 5:6-11.
Today's passage reveals the profound depth of God's love for us. Paul emphasizes that Christ died for us "while we were still sinners" - not when we had our lives together or when we were worthy. This unconditional love can be hard to grasp, especially if our experiences with earthly love have been conditional or disappointing. Reflect on times when you've felt unworthy of love. How does God's unconditional love challenge those feelings? Consider writing a prayer of gratitude for God's unwavering love, acknowledging specific ways He has shown you love even in your weakest moments.
Day 2: Faith in the Risen Christ
Read John 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. As we read in John, God sent His Son not to condemn us, but to save us. The reality of the resurrection gives power to this promise. Paul goes as far as to say that if Christ hasn't been raised, our faith is futile. Today, examine your own belief in the resurrection. How does this belief impact your daily life? Are there areas where doubt creeps in? Bring these honestly before God, asking Him to strengthen your faith and help you live in the power of the resurrection.
Day 3: From Brokenness to Reconciliation
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Today's passage speaks of the new creation we become in Christ and the ministry of reconciliation we've been given. Like Don in the sermon story, many of us have experienced brokenness that seemed beyond repair. Yet God specializes in restoration. Reflect on areas in your life where you've experienced God's reconciling power. Are there still areas where you struggle to believe reconciliation is possible? Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you embrace your new identity in Christ and to show you opportunities to be an agent of reconciliation in your relationships and community.
Day 4: Hope in the Midst of Suffering
Read Romans 8:18-39.
This powerful passage reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love, even in our deepest suffering. The sermon touched on how life's hardships can make it difficult to believe in God's love. Yet Paul assures us that our present sufferings pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us. Today, identify an area of struggle or pain in your life. How might viewing this through the lens of Romans 8 change your perspective? Practice declaring God's unfailing love over this situation, even if you don't feel it emotionally.
Day 5: Walking in Freedom and Joy
Read Galatians 5:1, 13-25.
Christ's death and resurrection have secured our freedom, as today's passage emphasizes. This freedom isn't a license to sin, but an invitation to live by the Spirit. The sermon mentioned our "freedom journey" as believers. Reflect on your own journey. Where have you experienced greater freedom in Christ? Are there areas where you still feel bound? List the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in this passage. Which do you see growing in your life? Which ones need more cultivation? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in living out your freedom in Christ more fully today.