When Slaves Celebrate Independence!

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?" Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” --- John 8:31-36

Today is a day when the whole nation gets caught up in a time of partying, picnics, sporting events, flag waving, setting off fireworks or watching spectacular displays of the same.

It’s the 4th of July and much mention is made of celebrating independence. It’s the birthday of our republic and so the country goes all out – it’s a national holiday and just about everybody celebrates in one way or another. Unfortunately there are quite a number of persons who have to work and do not get the day off – emergency personnel, those employed in hospitals and nursing care homes, and those employed by businesses that choose to do business on this holiday.

The persons who signed the original document stating that we would no longer submit to the English crown placed their lives in jeopardy. It is a bit of little known information for some strange reason as to what happened to a number of them. Fifty six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Five were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes burned to the ground. Two lost sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, and two more had sons captured. Nine fought and died in the Revolutionary War. It is also reported that some had members of family captured and tortured by the British.

Our founding fathers had a deep conviction that by the grace of God this nation achieved independence and became a sovereign nation. Time and again our nation’s leaders in the earlier decades made reference to God in their statements and exhorted obedience to God as being necessary for receiving blessings from Him and experiencing a secure future filled with hope.

But over time things changed and the moment came that those exhortations to draw near to God, to honor and worship Him, to seek to be obedient to Him no longer took place. God for all practical intent is considered a rude intruder and not to meddle in our national life. Court decisions bear out this tragic fact.

Since our national spirit is now one of defiance and a “declaration of independence” of a different kind, we find ourselves staggering and groping as would a blind man in a drunken condition. We have turned our backs on the One Who alone can truly set us free – His name is Jesus Christ. Read again His statement at the beginning – what is it that He said about being free?

There will be much talk about independence today as the nation celebrates, but only a few know from personal experience what it is to be truly free! Are you one of those few, or are you among the majority – a bunch of slaves who are deceived and celebrating “independence?”

In other words, do you know that Jesus Christ has set you free from all that is destructive in your life and forgiven you of all your sins committed against a holy God and against your fellow human beings? If so, then celebrate your freedom that political processes cannot give nor can they take it away!

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men; as free, yet not using your liberty as a cloak for vice, but as servants of God. --- 1 Peter 2:15, 16

A Corpse Is Not Good Company and Makes for Dead-end Conversation!

Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is vain and your faith is also vain. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up; if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! --- 1 Corinthians 15:12-17

One very deadly heresy to penetrate the ranks of those churches professing to be Christian in faith is the doubt or outright denial concerning the literal resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead three days after His crucifixion.

There have always been those vicious attacks directed toward Who Jesus is, why He came to this earth, what He accomplished while He was here, and what He will be doing in the future. His plans for the future definitely have much to do with the future of this world in which we live.

There are those who profess the Christian faith but who are skeptical at best and deniers at the very worst when it comes to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those in this camp simply say something like this: “It really doesn’t matter whether Jesus was actually raised from the dead or not. It was His life and the way He lived it that inspires us and challenges us to imitate His life, etc.”

What difference does it really make? As much difference as there is between day and night!

Because He lives:

• I experience His living presence with me wherever I may be each day – His assurance is, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” What a privilege it is to engage in daily conversation with Him and share expressions of praise and gratitude as well as the burdens of the heart.
  
  
• I experience His power in the midst of the temptations and trials that sometimes come my way in my journey of faith in this world. He promised the Holy Spirit would take up residence in the lives of His followers – they would be empowered, taught, and given guidance.
  
  
• I experience His provision when I am in need – His promises basically come down to this – I am never alone and He will take care of me, no matter what – He will make a way through the most vicious storms of life – one of my favorite promises is in Isaiah 41:10 which begins with these words, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God…..”
  
  
• I experience assurance that I eventually will be in His place which He said He was going to prepare for His people. Now this is a place that makes the most expensive and elaborate multi-million mansions of the rich on this earth look like tumble down shacks by way of comparison! Because He lives I have assurance about my future destiny – to live in a place especially prepared for those who have repented of their sins, received Him as Savior, and are committed to obeying Him as Lord of their lives!
  

Face it – a corpse can’t do such things for you and conversation with a corpse? It’s strictly a dead-end experience! I have seen again and again people who took their last view of a loved one or friend who had died lean over the casket and say some words and/or kiss the deceased -- you know what? I've never seen the deceased person make a verbal response!

It’s an extremely sad and hopeless situation for those who regard Jesus as being dead and yet in the grave. Some of us know better, do we not? He is risen!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. --- 1 Peter 1:3-5

When Wealth Isn't!

BERLIN - German billionaire Adolf Merckle has committed suicide after his business empire, which included interests ranging from pharmaceuticals to cement, ran into trouble in the global financial crisis, his family said Tuesday. --- reported by Associated Press on Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Adolph Merckle had worked hard to build a business empire which over time made him a billionaire worth an estimated 9.2 billion dollars according to Forbes. He had a number of business interests which begin to experience trouble as the world economy went into a financial tail spin. He obviously came to a point where he no longer saw any purpose in living and threw himself in front of a train.

God has gone out of his way to warn us of the danger of wealth and allowing ourselves to become dominated by the desire to accumulate material goods. Money is a very prominent "god" in nations around the world. It is wise to remember also that God has specifically pointed out that there are times when He chooses to bring judgment on false "gods." One of the more dramatic displays of such action is seen when God chose to bring the Israelites out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses. So it stands to reason that in time the money "god" may also be slated for judgment at the hands of God.

The Scriptures repeatedly provide information about the subject of money and human experiences related to the accumulation and use of it. Many experiences reported are quite negative, further reinforcing the basic truth as given in Scripture about the love for money:

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. --- 2 Timothy 6:10

Problems with money are not confined to billionaires or millionaires. It can happen to just about anybody. Attention is diverted away from God and the issue of what it is that He wants from us to all those things in the world that we feel we just have to have -- so in order to get them, we have to get money, and preferably, tons of the stuff. And once we do that we can settle back and take it easy or will we?

It has happened more than just a few times that once people begin to get some big money in their possession the desire for more and more begins to kick in. Money has shown again and again that it is a merciless taskmaster!

Take a lesson from one man as revealed by Jesus:

And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."' But God said to him, 'You fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." --- Luke 12:15-21

It is possible to be in line to inherit wealth that far exceeds the empires which the wealthiest of billionaires have accumulated for themselves in this world. A Christian can say, "I've got it -- I just can't lay my hands on it right now or come up with a numbers value on paper, but it's real and it's promised to me!"

Before you leave try these on for size and then sleep on them tonight -- and then remember, in comparison to this Adolph Merckle was a pauper of the first magnitude!

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. --- John 14:1-3; Romans 8:16, 17; 1 Peter 1:3-5

Quibbling About Atonement!

Thom Rainer posted an article on Lifeway’s Web Site claiming that pastors who did not preach penal substitutionary atonement (he didn’t use the term, he described the doctrine in very strong terms) are guilty of pastoral malpractice. He used the word “treasonous.” --- quote on one of a myriad of blogs which are a part of what is known as Methoblog

I stumbled on to this by accident -- this flurry of comments about atonement which seemed to be sparked mainly by a fellow by the name of Rainer. Additional comments have been added and links provided if one chooses to further pursue the subject of atonement.

One interesting response was by a guy who said he would plead guilty to the charge as outlined by the guy named Rainer.

Very strange, is it not, that we get bogged (or is it blogged) down in what is a rather simple matter -- the issue of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, sacrificing His life for the members of the human race so they could be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with Almighty God!

It may well be that this thing of there being an almost endless parade of "theories" about the atonement has come about due to failure to meet one of the four demands set before us by Jesus Himself -- "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3).

Why is it that we have to be so "adult" and so "sophisticated," zealously pursuing the "theologians" and the "scholars" and trying to determine who has the final word on atonement? Is it smply that we want to impress the laity with our ability to quote Dr. So & So and what he has to say about anything that has to do with a mess called theology?

Just what part of "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." [2 Corinthians 5:21] OR "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree'), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." [Galatians 3:14, 15] OR "...who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed." [1 Peter 2:24] is it that you don't understand?

I guess I would have to plead guilty for the benefit of those who seem to be badly hung up on the subject of preaching about atonement -- I'm guilty of spreading information among my people that Jesus died for our sins and we are called to repent of our sins and receive Him as Savior and Lord. And you know what? We remember His sacrifice for us regularly by engaging in an activity called Holy Communion!

Is it correct to assume that those who have problems with the subject of atonement (especially what is referred to as PSA) consistently avoid observing a sacrament known as Holy Communion?

Just wondering!

For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. but of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God; and righteousness and sanctification and redemption; that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD." --- 1 Corinthians 1:22-31

Not a Chance -- The United Methodist General Conference Won't Touch This One -- Infection Within the Connection!

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. --- Jude 1:3, 4

Many years ago in personal conversation with a district superintendent I posed this question -- "Do you believe there is apostasy within the United Methodist Church?" His response was instant -- "Yes, no doubt about it!" I then asked if he would spell out some specifics. On this he chose to decline and not point any fingers in any direction regarding the issue of apostasy within the UMC.

It has been shouted from the housetops on a regular basis -- one of the distinctives within the United Methodist Church is the fact that it is a connectional system. Its very structure with episcopal leadership and clergy who understand that they are in what is known as "itinerant ministry" testifies that there is a definite connection -- there is no place for a "lone ranger" approach to ministry within the ranks of the United Methodist Church -- if you want to be independent, then start your own kingdom in some other place, but you can't do it within the UMC!

However, the one thing that a majority refuse to recognize by way of crisis within the denomination is this -- we have been plagued with "infection within the connection" for quite a few decades!

"How so?", you may ask. Over time it has been pointed out that pastors have a number of identities when it comes to this thing known as "theology." There is a spectrum involved here -- ranking from radical fundamentalist to conservative to evangelical to "middle-of-the-road" to "moderate" (whatever in the world that is supposed to mean) to liberal or ultra-liberal. One's view of the Scripture lays the foundation as to what one's position will be on matters of faith and the expression of that faith in today's world.

As has been pointed out in other postings and certain areas of my web site, the problem began in the later years of the 19th Century. Certain facts as reported in the Scriptures began to be called into question with the conclusion being that certain events could not be interpreted as taking place in a literal sense!

As this "infection" began to spread into a number of denominations more information as reported in Scripture was questioned until we came to the place where a lot of facts as revealed about Jesus were questioned or flat out denied!

Evidence of infection? Consider these "symptoms" --

• Jesus' birth -- literally the son of a young woman who was a virgin and who had never been sexually intimate with a man prior to the birth of Jesus and that His conception was a miraculous act of the Holy Spirit? In the UMC you will find those who say it couldn't have happened that way!
  
  
• Jesus' sacrifice -- literally His death on the cross fully satisfied God's demands for justice regarding our numerous sins of rebellion against Him -- He paid the penalty in full so we could be forgiven completely and restored to righteousness! In the UMC you can hear voices say that other religious "faiths" are also legitimate in today's world -- and the "Great Commission" as given by Jesus is not to be taken literally, nor His claim that He is exclusively the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no one can come to God the Father except through Him!
  
  
• Jesus' resurrection -- His literal return from the dead and eventual ascension back to heaven to take His place at the right hand of God the Father until His enemies are made His footstool (Psalm 110)? In the UMC it has been said at times by some that it really doesn't matter whether He was raised from the dead or not -- it is the "spirit" of what He represented and taught that is important! This one is a bit tricky -- while there may be reference to Jesus' "resurrection," exactly what is meant -- a real, literal return from the grave in a body or something else?
  
  
• Jesus' return to earth again -- not in humility by being born as a baby, but as King of kings and Lord of lords to take full control of the planet and to rule it permanently? In the UMC it seems there is a lot of fancy foot shifting as though some have moved into the "soft-shoe" dance mode -- a lot of hemming and hawing coupled with double-talk! Why is it so difficult to believe Jesus meant exactly what He said about returning to earth again? Could it come from the infected crowd who really do not want Him to come back to this world?
  

That's just a sample -- the "infected" element wants to change the standards of sexual morality as originally spelled out by God over centuries of time. And there are other matters that provide proof that that there is a serious "infection within the connection" which ranges all the way from the pew to the level of the episcopacy!

How do some persons attempt to justify this? We are a denomination of "diversity!" It is a perverted application to be sure and boils down to this -- believe about anything you want to believe and live about any way you want to live, and it's OK -- because we are a denomination of diversity and we respect each other's positions and beliefs -- and whatever one does, one must never suggest that there really is a problem of "infection within the connection!"

But there is good news, folks! One of these days God is going to interrupt the flow of human history and the infection (in whatever form it has existed) will be addressed and terminated forever!

For a related commentary on this issue see But doctor, I feel good and people say I look great!

We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. --- 1 Peter 1:19-20; 2:1-3

If There Were Other "Ways," Why Did He Do It?

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him... For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: "Who committed no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. --- 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:21-25

For a minority of persons, this is a special day -- we travel back in time and remember a brutal execution just outside the city of Jerusalem. This was no run-of-the-mill execution carried out by the Romans -- they were doing this sort of thing all the time!

But this one involved a very unique individual -- God Who chose to take on human flesh, bones and blood. He was guilty of no crimes against the Roman Empire -- in fact, He was not guilty of doing anything wrong ever -- He was pure and without sin and blemish so far as character was concerned.

Somehow in that act of dying on a Roman cross all my sins -- all of your sins were transferred to Him, and that opened up the way by which every human being can be totally forgiven of all offenses committed, no matter how horrible they may be!

There are those who say that one religion is as good as another -- just pick and choose what delights your particular fancy!

Ask yourself -- if it doesn't make any difference, then why did God give up His Son and why did Jesus go through the brutality and humiliation of execution on a Roman cross, if "one way is just as good as any other" when it comes to religious expressions in this world?

No other religious expression apart from Christianity has the reality of God taking on human form and then sacrificing Himself for the sins of the entire human race! And by repenting of sin, receiving Jesus Christ by faith as Savior and Lord, and committing to a life of obedience to Him, a person is forgiven and looked upon favorably by Almighty God!

For some of us -- we continue to be lost in a whirlwind of amazement -- that the Creator of this great universe was willing to give up His life for the likes of us so that we in turn could be forgiven and have the assurance of living in His eternal Kingdom forever!

As a side trip, take a look at:

God Dressed Up in Bones, Flesh and Blood!

A link at the bottom of that area will bring you back to this place.

Again, if there are so many different "ways" to God and His eternal Heaven, why did Jesus go through what He did?

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me... But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. --- John 14:6; Hebrews 2:9

Special Notice for Those Sharing Millions of Dollars!

This is for that huge number of persons who send me emails offering to share a few million dollars with me for a small favor on my part.

Since there are so many of you who have access to someone's estate or an inheritance which nobody is claiming and this involves a lot of emailing to find someone willing to enter into a partnership with you, I have designed a form which will expedite the proceedings. Also, the grammar will be reasonably correct since I have a better command of the English language than you who still have a serious problem with the language -- the proper use of nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, and sentence structure can be a real pain, can it not? So feel free to copy and paste the form and insert the names and other vital information as suggested and then delete the suggestions. Once you get your millions with the help of some U.S. citizen, maybe you could send me a few thousand dollars for use of the form! Let's just say I work on a commission basis in this sort of thing. I thank you in advance for your most generous response.

Standard Form for Sharing Millions of U. S. Dollars

Dearly Beloved (this is the most recent and very affectionate salutation to use):

I am (insert your name) from Nigeria (or insert some other African country). The late Mr. (insert name of deceased) was forced to flee when rebels took over the government. He was able to hide (insert any number) millions of U. S. dollars in an extra large piggy bank in the left corner of the third cemetery (or insert other location) on the road going south out of (insert name of town).

I have recovered this money but need to have it transferred to your country. I have complete faith that you will be willing to have these funds transferred to your personal bank account. I ask that you divide these funds as follows: you take (insert percentage, but no higher than 30%) and the balance will be mine. The generous amount which you receive will be compensation for entering into this partnership.

Please provide me with the following information: your name, postal address, phone number, and bank account number.

Also, please keep this matter very confidential. As soon as I receive the requested information from you, I will immediately begin the process for the transfer of the funds to your account. You will receive processing papers which will give further instructions as to what you must do to complete the transfer.

In closing I want to inform you that I am a born again Christian and have been diagnosed with cancer. My doctor informs me that I only have a few months to live. So your prompt attention to this matter is extremely important for the benefit of the both of us.

Sincerely,
(insert name)
(insert email address and phone number)


If I had all those millions of dollars which have been offered to me these past few years I would have a fortune that would compete with big name millionaires!

Sadly there have been people who have taken the "bait" and gotten badly burned financially in these scams that just keep going like the Energizer Bunny!

This type of scam takes many forms but it has only been in recent months that they have been weaving the "born again Christian" and the terminal cancer scenario into the offers for you and me to become millionaires.

As for me, I will continue to pass up these offers on the basis that I'm in line to receive some things that make the millions of dollars offered in this world look like putrid garbage by way of comparison! Read it for youself......

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." --- Jesus in John 14:1-4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. --- 1 Peter 1:3-5

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. --- Romans 8:16-18

Looking forward to seeing you there -- in fact, I put together an invitation which you are welcome to examine -- it's at Meet Me in Heaven!

Why Did He Do It?

Want to upset some people in a split second? Just ask them to tell you why Jesus Christ died on a Roman cross! Of course, this assumes a rather important fact -- that you know beforehand by personal experience as to the reason, and that you haven't fallen for some of the heresy floating around this world as to why Jesus was executed on that cross.

Be aware that some of the heresy has penetrated the ranks of those who claim to be Christian in faith! There are those who say Jesus was just an ordinary human being such as you and I, and not God in human form -- that He set a rather noble example for us to follow and that is about the extent of it -- oh yes, He taught some pretty good principles which we should try to practice, if we should feel inclined to do so! And the main reason He ended up on a Roman cross as a common criminal is that He caused some trouble and if He had been smart, He would have kept His mouth shut and high-tailed it out of town, avoiding all that confrontation stuff!

Let's consult the divinely inspired record as to what it was all about -- just read a few statements which spell it all out:

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. --- 1 Timothy 1:15

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures....--- 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4

For the love of Christ constrains 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. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. --- 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: "Who committed no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. --- 1 Peter 2:21-25

In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins. --- 1 John 4:10

Today is Good Friday -- a very special day for those who are followers of Jesus Christ, as we remember again His sacrifice of Himself on our behalf, give thanks and praise, and renew our commitment to do His will each day so long as He gives us breath to live in this world.

What does it mean to you?

Review How to Become a Christian and give thanks again for God's overwhelming love for each of us.

Have a glorious time this Sunday in celebrating Jesus' victory over sin, death, and Satan and his forces on our behalf!