CHARTS & OUTLINES Seven Dimensions of Love! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Introduction: 1. The world is starving for love. 2. Since “God is love,” according to 1 John 4:8, I’m convinced the world is actually starving for God! 3. Consider love from seven different dimensions. Body: 1. Love BACK A. I look back and see the One who died for me (Galatians 2:20). B. “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). TI. Love UP A. I look up and see the greatest lover of all! B. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37; cf., 1 John 4:19). III. Love OUT A. I look out and see my neighbor! B. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39; c.f., Galatians 6:10). IV. Love AROUND A. I look around and see my own spiritual family! B. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35; ¢.f., 1 John 3:17). 99CHARTS & OUTLINES V. Love WITHIN A. I look inside and see the soul God gave me! B. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39; c.f., 16:26). VI. Love FORWARD A. I look ahead and see the Lord Who wants me! B. “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12; c.f., Titus 2:14). VII. Love DOWN A. Ilook at the uplifted Christ on the cross and hear what He says to me! B. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34; c.f., Romans 5:8). Conclusion: 1. John 3:16 is one of the all-time cherished and well-known Scriptures in the Bible. 2. It is frequently called the “golden text” of Scripture. 3. Martin Luther called it the miniature Gospel. 4. It has been called the Gospel in a nutshell. 5. Ithas been called a love letter from God written in blood and addressed to all. 6. Ifever there was a verse that Satan would love to blot out of the Bible, it would be John 3:16. 7. Ifever there was a verse that makes hell tremble, it is John 3:16. 8. If ever there was a verse that has lightened the path to Heaven for multitudes, it is John 3:16. 9. Thank God for His great love! ? Mark N. Posey is the preacher for the Austinville church of Christ in Decatur, Alabama, USA. 100