Guiding Light!
Christ Died!
On this day many, many years ago Christ Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Being obedient to God and prophecies of old Jesus willingly went to the cross. He suffered for us, even though He never sinned, He bore our sins on that cross so that we may have the gift of salvation and eternal life with Him in heaven.
Let's recall the seven sayings of Christ on the cross;
1. Prayer - " Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:34 Compassion and unconditional love, it is God's desire that all should come to know Him and accept His gift of salvation. Are we loving this way? God calls us to love everyone, not just the lovable!
2. Promise - Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43 This is our assurance of eternal life; Jesus said it! He is God, He is love, He is truth! Are we looking forward to being in paradise?
3. Provision - When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," John 19:26 This is implied that the Disciple John would now become her son symbolizing the new community of believers. Are we a part of the new community Christ built?
4. Position - About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46 This is when God turned His head because He cannot look on sin and at this time Jesus bore the sins of the world and experienced the pain of death. Jesus remember the plea of the Psalmist in Psalm 22:24 For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. Jesus did this for you and I, Jesus paid the price for my salvation, how am I showing my gratitude?
5. Pain - Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." John 19:28 With the work completed he can now finalize the completion through his death, so he says, I am thirsty. John notes he said this in order to fulfill the Scripture in Psalm 69:21 They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst. How thirsty are we for the word of God?
6. Perfection - When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 Jesus bowed his head, an attitude of submission, and then gave over his spirit. "At his own free will, he with a word dismissed from him his spirit." Jesus was obedient even unto the cross. How obedient are we being to the word of God?
7. Presentation - Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 Jesus knew what was going to happen and He gladly committed His spirit to His Father, for He knew what awaited Him in God's Kingdom. Even if you are not on the verge of death, have you committed your spirit to God? Have you committed your all?
The death of Christ tells us of the love of God, and the resurrection of Christ tells us of the power of God. By this God is satisfied and glorified as told by the Apostle Paul in, Romans 8:33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
We now have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sins. This is only done by the glorious grace of God which He freely gives us by choice. Have you accepted this free gift from God? You can do this right now if you have not made the step to trust in God and accept His free gift. Hear what the Apostle Peter told the crowd when they asked what shall we do? Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
This act of submission in not complicated or profound, just go to God in prayer (plain talking) and confess your sins and ask Him to forgive you, believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, commit to accepting Him as the Lord of your life and thank God for providing this opportunity to become a part of His Kingdom family.
If you have just made this decision to accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, send us an email and let us send you a new Bible of your very own. Congratulations! Welcome to God's Kingdom family!
Heavenly Father, we honor and praise you for the work you have done through your Son so that we may have eternal life with you. Thank you that you have chosen us to be Your child. We commit our whole entire being to you, willing to serve you in anyway you desire. Praises and Glory to the most High.....in Jesus Christ name we pray........amen
In Christ's Service,
Kenny Millhouse
kenny@guidinglightministry.com
Guiding Light Ministry - an evangelistic outreach!
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