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When Christ gave His life for us, He also set an example for us to follow. It was an example of humble obedience to His Father’s will, even to the extent of death on a cross. Claiming faith in God without obedience to His commands is nothing more than wishful thinking. It’s a hollow claim. Scripture is very clear on this, and Jesus warned of many who will deceive themselves because they fail to understand this truth.
The death of Christ on the cross changes more than our legal status before God in heaven. It does more than just save us from our sins and give us a home in heaven. His death must also bring about a complete change in our daily walk here on earth. It is impossible for anyone to have a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ and walk away unchanged! Today we celebrate not only the death Jesus died, but the life He gives. Are you living that new life?
Paul opens his letter to the church in Philippi with incredible words of love and encouragement, thanking them for their faithful partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now. Then he tells them that it was God who saved them, and it will be God who carries their salvation on to completion. He is reminding them that there is nothing they can do through their own efforts to earn salvation or to keep their salvation secure. If you ever worry about losing your salvation, these are great verses to help you settle this matter once and for all.
We’ve all been conned into a bad deal or two in our lifetime. But God comes to us this Easter weekend and offers us a deal that is so amazing, it would make no sense to refuse. He is inviting us to become part of the incredible exchange that took place on the cross and the empty tomb 2,000 years ago. That is when God took all of our sinfulness and placed it on Jesus, and God took all of His sinlessness and placed it on us, and for all who accept this offer, God no longer sees us as rotten sinners, He sees us righteous sons. Have you accepted this offer? It is the greatest deal you will ever make, and it will result in the greatest change you will ever experience!
Every day we are bombarded with messages telling us something else we need to buy in order to be happier, healthier or more comfortable. We are told that if we drive this particular car or wear this brand of clothes or live in this neighborhood, then we will be a notch above everyone else. But the problem is, as millions have discovered too late, none of those things are worth a dime when life is over. If we are ever going to be bold followers of Jesus, we must make absolutely sure we’re pursuing what really matters in the eyes of God.
Centuries before Jesus came, people shook their heads and wondered what kind of Savior this might be who the prophets said would come, not as a mighty warrior, but as a little baby. Then, when He did come, people shook their heads in wonder and amazement at the things He said and did, as they asked each other, “Who is this?” Today, this continues to be life’s most important question — deciding for ourselves who this Child really is. Have you answered this all-important question?
The world can offer you momentary happiness, but only Jesus can give you lasting joy. Happiness comes and goes depending on life’s circumstances, but joy remains even in the worst of times. But is it really possible for anyone to experience this kind of joy? Despite having so many things in life like pleasures, pursuits and possessions, most people are still not fulfilled. What about you? Are you still searching for joy and fulfillment? Today’s message tells how you can have the joy that Jesus came to give, even when life let’s you down!
A song most of us know as “O Holy Night” is a favorite of many, but the origin is not as commonly known. First written as a poem to be read in a Christmas service in France, the original French version is a powerful reminder of the truth and good news of that holy night our Redeemer was born.
When God sent His Son to earth, why didn’t He choose a major world city to announce His arrival to millions of people? Instead, He chose the tiny town of Bethlehem and only announced His birth to lowly shepherds in the middle of the night. And instead of coming as a mighty warrior or a powerful political leader, He came as a helpless baby born into a poor family. But why? Why did He choose to come that way? Once you understand the reasons why He came, lived and died the way He did, you will gain a new appreciation for the lengths that God went to in order to identify with our struggles and become one of us!
When a prisoner is pardoned and set free, he doesn’t live the rest of his life hanging around the prison yard and sleeping in his old cell at night. He lives in freedom! When a person receives Jesus as his Savior, he is forgiven and set free from his sin, but unfortunately, many Christians cannot believe they are really free, so they continue to live each day trapped by the power of sin. The Bible tells us that because of Christ, we have been set free from the power and the penalty of sin. This is great news! Listen to today’s message and learn how to live in the freedom you’ve been given!
Romans 8 is an exciting proclamation of what the new life is all about. Paul opens the chapter by laying the cornerstone of our faith, and then goes on to describe to us the vital role of the mind in the new life of a believer.
During World War II, men in a prisoner of war camp were radically changed when they saw an innocent soldier lay down his life to save theirs. Decades after that event, they still remembered that soldier and paid tribute to his selfless sacrifice. Join us for today’s message as we pause to remember the ultimate sacrifice that was made for us when Jesus willingly laid down His life to save us. How has this great sacrifice affected you?
