Does God Still Love Me?

You Are the One Jesus Loves

Scripture References

Primary text

• John 3:16
• Luke 15

Other references

• 1 John 4
• Romans 5:8

Overview

On Easter Sunday the pastor announced a six-week series titled “He Promises,” beginning with Jesus’ promise of personal, specific love. Using John 3:16 and the parable of the lost sheep, he pressed the congregation to move from a vague belief that “God loves the world” to the intimate conviction, “I am the one Jesus loves.” The message confronted hidden pain, traced John the disciple’s transformation from “son of thunder” to “the one Jesus loved,” and climaxed with a vivid description of Christ’s cross and resurrection, calling listeners to receive His love and new life.

Context

• Easter weekend service; many guests present.
• Series preview: Jesus promises we will know His voice, be accompanied always, receive His peace, have needs met, and find rest.
• Opening question repeated throughout: “Why did you come to church today? What do you need God to do?”

Main Points

1. Beneath the Easter outfits, many are hurting

• People arrive for different reasons—celebration, obligation, family pressure.
• Outwardly “Easter good,” yet inwardly some carry loss, shame, grief, anxiety.
• Jesus offers a promise that speaks directly to every form of pain.

2. The promise declared: God’s personal love (John 3:16)

• “Everyone who believes” includes every background, failure, secret struggle.
• St Augustine’s line: God loves each person as if there were only one.
• Refrain introduced: “You are the one Jesus loves.”

3. The lost sheep shows how far He will go (Luke 15)

• Shepherd leaves ninety-nine to search until he finds the one.
  • Illustration: celebration party when the one lamb is carried home.
• Heaven rejoices more over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine who feel no need.

4. John’s journey from hot-headed “Son of Thunder” to “the one Jesus loved”

• Jesus nicknamed James and John “sons of thunder” (brash, quick-tempered).
  • Illustration: In Luke 9 they wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village.
• Constant exposure to Jesus’ unconditional love reshaped John’s identity; three times in his Gospel he calls himself “the disciple Jesus loved.”
• Personal application: the same love rewrites our identity.

5. Pastor’s testimony: discovering the love he doubted

• Story: Insecure teenager who lied, stole a $6 pair of shorts for his mom, and battled alcohol.
• Story: Drunk on a fraternity floor, pet rabbit on his chest, Christian radio DJ suddenly says, “God still loves you”—first moment he sensed being “the one.”

• Point: God meets people personally, even in their mess.

6. Love proven, not just promised (1 John 4; Romans 5:8)

• “God is love”—it is His nature, not merely His action.
• He demonstrated that love by sending Jesus as atoning sacrifice.
• “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5).
• Detailed walk-through of Jesus’ arrest, torture, crucifixion, last words, and the empty tomb—showing the extreme cost of His love.

7. Invitation and response

• Questions pressed again: “Why did you come? What do you need?”
• Assurance: feelings may vary, but love is a promise; receive it by faith.
• Guided declaration repeated with congregation:

  “I am the one Jesus loves.”

• Call to salvation; many raised hands or typed online to surrender to Jesus.

Key Truths

• God’s love is not generic; it is directed at you personally.
• Jesus will leave the ninety-nine to rescue the one who is lost.
• Proximity to Jesus transforms identity—condemned names give way to beloved ones.
• The cross and resurrection are God’s public demonstration that His love outlasts our sin.
• Love is a promise to be believed, not a feeling to be chased.

Response

• Believe the promise: speak by faith, “I am the one Jesus loves.”
• Receive forgiveness by calling on Jesus’ name and surrendering your whole life.
• Allow His love to redefine how you see yourself and others.
• Share this personal love with friends or family who feel far from God.
• Worship with gratitude, especially when feelings lag behind truth.

Closing

The pastor ended by reminding every listener—regardless of shame, doubt, or pain—that there is “no greater love” than the love proven at Calvary and sealed by the empty tomb. Today can mark a complete turning point if you simply accept the promise.

“You are the one Jesus loves.”

Prayer

He led the church in a salvation prayer: confessing sin, declaring faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, affirming “I am the one Jesus loves,” and asking to be filled with the Holy Spirit to know and show that love.