Introduction

In the church of today the most pressing need is for believers to enter into a living, breathing vibrant relationship with Jesus Himself. In his book, Passion for Jesus, Mike Bickle says that “the way to our emotions is through our minds”. The way for the people of the church to have this burning passion for Jesus is for their minds to be filled with the knowledge of who Jesus is.

Body

I.                    The book of Song of Solomon (in the Bible) greatly reveals the unfathomable love of God.

A.     Jesus’ love for us is “unquenchable”.

1.      “Many waters cannot quench love.”(Song of Solomon 8:7).

2.      Jesus’ love for His own is “as strong as death” (SOS 8:6).

B.     “I am my beloved’s, And his desire is for me.” (SOS 7:10)

1.      We are Jesus’.

2.      His desire is for us.

C.    His banner over us is love. (SOS 2:4)

D.    His love is better than anything in this life. (Ps. 63:3, SOS 1:2b)

II.                  God’s love for us is seen various other places in scripture.

A.     “unfailing love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.” (Ps. 32:10, NLT)

B.     “For He lovingly chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight.” (Eph. 1:4, NET)

C.    “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which you have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”(John 17:24, NASB)

III.                Jesus is a loving, passionate Bridegroom who will one day marry his Bride, the church.

A.     In Revelation 19:6-8 it tells of the future when “a great multitude” will rejoice because the day will finally come for the wedding of the Lamb (Jesus) to His bride (those who have believed in Jesus for forgiveness from the wrong things they have done).

B.     In the Old Testament, David’s heart was captured in a deep way by God’s love.

1.      David said in Psalm 18:1, “I love You, Lord, my source of strength!” (NET)

2.      Again he said in Psalm 26:8, “O Lord, I love the temple where You live, the place where Your splendor is revealed.” (NET)

C.    The apostle John also knew that Jesus truly loved him.

1.      In the book John wrote about Jesus’ life, John, he constantly referred to “the disciple whom Jesus loved”.

2.      John saw that the ultimate expression of Jesus’ love for us was Jesus’ death on the cross. (I John 4:9)

D.    This past summer God really captured my heart with this truth.

Conclusion

God’s great love for us is seen throughout scripture. The book of Song of Solomon shows His love for us in a deep and mysterious way. However, almost every book in the Bible gives some indication to the extent of Jesus’ affection for His bride (those that know Him). At the very last stage before those who know Jesus are ushered into eternity with Him we see Jesus as our Heavenly Bridegroom who will marry His bride, those that know Him. The truth of His great love for His bride will capture hearts leading them to comprehending the fullness of who God is (Eph 3:14-19). The church will respond with a passion for Jesus and will fulfill the first commandment, “love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength” (Matt 22:37).