These are fundamental questions for all human beings. We are social, we like to interact and be part of a larger community. I want to know if I matter, if I have a purpose, if life has meaning: I want to know, am I loved?
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:8
Christianity is radical. In the ancient world only emperors, great generals and people of renown could be considered alongside the gods; in our modern world, too, it is movie stars, football players, influencers and the rich who are held up above all others. What room is there for ordinary folk? And yet, God is love.
God comes down from heaven and becomes one of us, but he does not stop there. He shows his perfect love for us through his crucifixion. On the Cross he holds out his arms to us wide and invites us to embrace, to hug, him. He demonstrates to us what perfect love is,
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13
God’s love for us is so great that he gives his life for us, that he dies for us.
But he goes even further. When the perfect God—who is not just alive but perfect Life itself—meets Death, Death cannot keep hold of him.
“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5) Darkness cannot overcome Light, Death cannot overcome Life. Christ’s death leads to the death of Death. Death is no longer something we fear because it is not the end: Christ is risen and we will rise too!
What does this mean for me?
God loves you to the extent that he died for you. And he wants to have a relationship with you, that you may have abundant life (John 10:10). He wants you to know that you matter, that you have a purpose, that you have value.
Twelve Apostles’ Church, Eastleigh, is here to serve you—to help you on a journey of discovery to find yourself, your true self, as a person of value, as a person who is loved. Come and find out more: we are here for you.
Email [email protected].
Come and See!