Category Archives: Easter

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Christ’s Walk of Love

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Nearly 2,000 years ago Jesus met with His disciples in the Upper Room. He ate with them, communed and fellowshipped with them, and served them. He loved them in such a selfless way that it simply is hard to take in. He ministered to their aching souls as they were overwhelmed with the thought of what they were about to lose.

When I consider His actions and words during this time, I find it helpful to consider the context. His selfless love transcends my understanding. Jesus fully knew what He would endure over the course of the next few hours, yet His heart was set to take each obedient step moving closer to cross. Each step was one of submission, love and sacrifice as He walked in the shadow of the cross. This shadow loomed, oppressing His every step, yet each step was filled with love—love for His Father and love for every soul, whose sins He would carry to the cross. Every soul who would betray Him, deny Him, reject Him, beat and mock Him.

His message to His disciples that night was one of selfless love as He sought to prepare them for what would come that night and, in the days, and years to come. His message is still one of selfless love preparing us for this life of faith. His prayer in John 17 further displays His amazing love as He prays for His disciples, but He also prays for those who would believe.

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.”—John 17:20

One of the steps that Jesus took was to pray for me the night before He died! This is true for anyone who has placed their faith and trust in Him alone for their salvation as well as anyone else who will do the same. This is hard for me to comprehend. At a time when He was about to endure the greatest agony any human has ever endured, He was thinking about others—He was thinking about those whom He would save.

Again, the oppressive, looming shadow of the cross was casting its darkness upon every step He took. Christ knew full well what was wrapped up in this sacrifice. He knew the extent of the physical suffering—the agonizing pain He would endure by bearing all of mankind’s sin upon Himself on that cruel cross. He knew, to the fullest degree, the excruciating emotional suffering of being forsaken by all those He loved as well as the social suffering of being mocked and scorned by the very people who would facilitate His death. Keep in mind that, “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.”[1]

But most of all He knew the spiritual suffering that awaited Him as His eternal fellowship with His Father would be severed for a time. You can hear it in His words upon the cross, as He cries out, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is to say, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”[2]  The fellowship and communion that He had enjoy from eternity past would now be broken because of sin that would be placed upon Him.

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”—Isaiah 53:6

“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”—2 Corinthians 5:21

This is such an amazing reality! Meditate upon the fact that God the Father would love His sinful creation enough to send us His greatest Gift—the Son—in order to meet our greatest need—our sin deabt.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son [Jesus], that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16

Continue that thought and consider the fact that God the Son would love us to the degree that He was willing to take our sin upon Himself—to become sin for us, dying a shameful death upon our cross, as our Substitute. He did this so that we could enjoy His righteousness and life eternal in a loving relationship with our Creator. He was sent to be “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”[3] and He became the sacrificed Lamb of God providing life eternal for those who believe.

The One who never sinned became “sin for us” so that we could be made righteous in Him. The awe and wonder of this Gift of God is that through the death of Christ, He was seen by God just as we are so that we could be seen by God just as He is. This is a truth that floods my soul with unspeakable joy and peace that surpasses my understanding. Jesus Christ walked this path for me! He was crucified for me! He was forsaken by the Father for me! The amazing truth is that Jesus endured this death and separation from the Father so that I would never have to experience the same. This is love beyond degree.

Take a walk with me from the Upper Room to the Tomb. This is a journey through the pages of Scripture as we follow Christ on His walk of love. On this path you will see the tragedy of your sin and His triumphant selflessness on your behalf as your Substitute.

We begin in the Upper Room, watching as He selflessly serves His disciples by washing their feet[4]. Listen to Him as He teaches them to love others[5] as He prepares them for the trials before them. Walk with Him on His way to Gethsemane and hear His call to abide in Him as a branch abides in the vine[6]. Listen to His prayer to His Father[7] and see His heart of love for those who were with Him[8] as well as those who would believe in Him[9]. Spend time with Him in the garden watching Him in agony as He submits His will to the Father[10]. Listen to an approaching mob and see the glow of lanterns against the darkened night[11]. See the great “I Am”[12] betrayed with a kiss from a “friend”[13] for a meager 30 pieces of silver[14]. Instead of standing with Him, like you said you would, you run in fear.

Gaining courage once again you follow the mob as they take Him to be tried and condemned. Stand with Peter in fearful denial that you even know Jesus[15]. See the false witnesses brought against Him[16], the repeated physical assaults upon Him[17], the mocking and scorn deriding Him[18]. See a guilty criminal released while an innocent man is condemned[19]. Stand by as they mercilessly flog Him in preparation for crucifixion[20], yet you do nothing but watch being paralyzed with fear.

Follow Him as a cross is placed upon His back[21], a cross not His own but deserving of the one following His every step on this walk of love. As He stumbles under this burden you are forced to help. See before you, Mount Calvary, the place of a skull[22]. See Him as they nail Him to your cross. Listen to the last words of this dying man. Hear Him ask forgiveness for those before Him[23]. Hear His heart of compassion for His mother’s provision in His absence[24]. See the mocking and scorn continue by those around Him[25] and those crucified with Him[26] yet hear Him offer salvation to the repentant thief beside Him[27]. Hear His triumphant words, “It is finished!”[28] as He dismisses His life from His ravaged body[29]. Walk with Joseph and Nicodemus as they take His body and prepare it for burial and place Him in a borrowed tomb[30].

You begin to walk away, but where will you go? You notice your blood-stained hands, realizing that although you helped carry the cross, it was your cross that He bore for you. Your blood-stained hands remind you of your culpability in His death[31]. With this reality you drop to your knees trembling at the thought of all the pain and suffering your sin brought upon Jesus.

This journey from the Upper Room to the Tomb has left you emotionally and physically exhausted with all hope gone. As you take a few moments to regain the strength to walk again, the words that Jesus spoke flood your mind but you can’t seem to make sense of any of them. In despair you slowly find your way home.

The time slowly inches by with sleepless nights. Yet as Sunday morning dawns you find the courage to make your way back to the tomb. Looking for the dead among the dead you find the tomb opened and empty[32]. Looking around you see something strange and then you hear the voice of this angel ask, “Why seek ye the living among the dead?[33] He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.[34]”

With those words you turn in disbelief only to see a Man who calls you by name[35], your eyes are opened and now you finally see and believe. Your despair and disbelief fade replaced by unspeakable joy that floods your soul. He truly is alive, just as He had said!

This walk of love, as you followed Jesus, brings sorrow and joy. You witnessed your sinful actions against your Savior yet with each step He took you see that they were filled with love—love for you! You saw His submission and sacrifice, taking your sin to your cross and paying the death you owed. Now you stand before the One that now lives again who conquered your sin and death. With a loving embrace your sorrow turns to joy, knowing the forgiveness of sin through faith in the shed blood of your Savior. Your sorrow brings you to the cross but with joy you leave the tomb. The cross is not the end! An empty tomb is just the beginning. A risen Savior calls you to action. Spread the Good News, He has conquered sin and death! He is risen, just as He said He would!

Question: Where does the reality of Christ’s walk of love bring you? What thoughts begin to flood your soul? As you consider the magnitude of Christ’s suffering for your sin, does it awaken a sorrow for that sin? My desire is not to condemn you or shame you but to encourage you to see the price that Jesus paid for your sin. From there, see all that He was willing to go through because of the magnitude of His love. See what He was willing to give up for you and me. See how much He values your soul.

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.”—1 Peter 3:18

Once we begin to sorrow over our sin, in seeing what it did to Jesus, don’t stop there. Let it move you to unspeakable joy in seeing what Jesus accomplished for you, knowing the transcendent peace of a right relationship with Christ. He died to set you free! His sacrifice is a gift of eternal life.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”—Romans 6:23

Just like any gift, it does you no good until you receive it and open it. The same is true with God’s Gift.

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”—John 1:12

God’s greatest Gift—Jesus Christ and His perfect sacrifice—is received by placing your trust in Him alone for your salvation. Acknowledge your sin and that His sacrifice paid your sin-debt in full.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”—Romans 10:13

If you currently are not trusting in Jesus alone for your salvation, would you consider doing this today. Consider Christ’s walk of love for you and embrace His love, knowing He died for you so that you could enjoy eternal life in a relationship with your Creator. Call upon Him to save you by trusting in His perfect sacrifice for you. Then walk with Jesus in newness of life!

For those of you who claim Jesus as your Savior, rejoice! for He is risen just as He said He would. Share this Good News of what Jesus has done for you. Live a life of worship that honors Him and brings Him glory. Isn’t He worthy of this?

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped Him that liveth for ever and ever.”—Revelation 5:12 & 14b

[1] John 1:11
[2] Matthew 27:46
[3] John 1:29
[4] John 13:1-15
[5] John 13:34-35; John 15:12-13, 17
[6] John 15:1-11
[7] John 17
[8] John 17:9
[9] John 17:20
[10] Matthew 26:42
[11] John 18:2-3
[12] John 18:4-7
[13] Luke 22:48
[14] Matthew 26:15
[15] John 18:15-18, 25-27
[16] Matthew 26:59-61
[17] Matthew 26:67-68
[18] Matthew 27:28-29
[19] Luke 23:18-19
[20] Matthew 27:26-31
[21] Matthew 27:32
[22] John 19:16-17
[23] Luke 23:34
[24] John 19:25-27
[25] Matthew 27:39-43
[26] Matthew 27:44
[27] Luke 23:40-43
[28] John 19:30
[29] Luke 23:46
[30] John 19:38-42
[31] Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21
[32] Matthew 28:1-3
[33] Luke 24:5
[34] Matthew 28:6
[35] John 20:14-16

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“It Is Finished!”

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The last words of a dying soul often tend to be heavy with meaning, weighted with such great significance in their heartfelt genuineness. Especially without the heavy sedation compassionately given by modern-day hospice care, these last words picture for us a glimpse into the soul—a view of unobstructed insight into the most important matters of the heart as one awaits their final breath.

Stories are told of the torment of souls as they stand at death’s door not knowing what will meet them on the other side. With gut-wrenching agony loved ones have watched them fight the inevitable slide into eternity. But there are also stories told of triumphant songs sung by souls prepared for what lays before them. Souls who willingly and joyfully step into glory with great anticipation and expectation knowing that their Savior awaits them with open arms. With sorrow they leave their loved ones behind but with great joy they look forward to the welcome embrace of their loving Shepherd.

It is the last words of this loving Shepherd that have arrested my thoughts in anticipation of the services of remembrance and celebration that lay before me. With pen in hand, and the unfamiliar sound of silence in my ears, I sit with an open Bible before me pondering His triumphant last words, “It is finished!” The apostle John records these last words of triumph (John 19:30). Words filled with meaning that plumb the unfathomable depths of life, love, and sacrifice of the Son of God.

Approaching this glorious time of the year my mind is flooded with thoughts as I ponder the steps of a Man who undeservedly walked a path and carried a cross that was not His own. A man who carried the weight of the world upon His bloodied back; a man who wore a crown fit not even the worst of kings let alone the King of kings. He walked my path; He carried my cross; He wore my crown; He bore my sin with each step on His way to Mount Calvary to lay down His life on a cross made for me.

The passage that lays open before me is Isaiah 52:13-53:12 where it speaks of the “Man of sorrows” long before this undeserving world laid its eyes upon the “Word made flesh.” As we allow the Gospels to shed light upon these words of prophecy we see a bruised and broken Man whose “visage was so marred more than any man” yet robed with love and grace, with gentleness and humility as He endured the shame and disgrace that my sin demanded of me. It is in my place that I see Christ walk. It is in my place that I see Him die. It is in my place I see His love on full display unlike the world has ever seen. Such grace so undeserved yet so abundant and free.

Isaiah’s words are rich with theology and meaning. Each time I read through this passage I come to rest on verses 4-6, personalizing it as I read,  “Surely He hath borne [my] griefs, and carried [my] sorrows: yet [I] did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for [my] transgressions, He was bruised for [my] iniquities: the chastisement [for my] peace was upon Him; and with His stripes [I am] healed. Like [a] sheep [I] have gone astray; [I] have turned to [my] own way; and the LORD hath laid on [Jesus Christ all my] iniquity.”

These words cut to my heart to think of the consequence of my sin, my selfishness, demanding my own way. The flood of emotions rush into my heart as at times my eyes begin to overflow. What sadness and heartache to consider the suffering that my Savior chose to endure because He knew that I would choose my “own way” instead of His good and righteous way. My “own way” is the way of sin.

God tells us the consequence of sin is death (Romans 6:23). This death speaks of separation from God. If I would have continued my “own way” I would have been separated from God for all eternity. The reality is that God provided a way by giving His Son. The consequence of my sin brought about death as God sent His Son to die in my place as my substitute. “For [the Father] hath made [Jesus] to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). The hymn writer, Charles Wesley so aptly put it:

“And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me who caused His pain? For me who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be that Thou my God shouldst die for me?”

God’s love is nowhere on display more greater than on the cross of Calvary.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son [Jesus], that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation [the atoning sacrifice] for our sins.” — 1 John 4:9-10

With great sadness, I see the suffering my Savior endured in order to show His love for me. Yet it is also with great joy that I hear Him say, “It is finished!” Just before Christ breathed His last breath upon the cross He stated a single Greek word, “tetelestai,” which is translated, “It is finished!” It was a statement of triumph overflowing with rich meaning. What is so profound about this statement? What is finished?

This word, “tetelestai,” was used in everyday life back in Biblical times. It was used by a priest as he would examine a lamb brought for sacrifice and found it to be faultless. Jesus Christ was the perfect Lamb of God who was without spot or blemish. It was also used by merchants who would declare that a debt was “paid in full.”

The work that the Father had given Christ to do was now complete—it was finished. While hanging on the cross, looking like a defeated victim, He celebrates victory—the greatest triumph in the history of all of God’s creation. With His death, He paid our debt of sin in full. He bought our salvation with His blood—with His life. He had fulfilled every requirement that the law had demanded on behalf of sinners. Christ’s atoning work was complete thus satisfying the justice of God.

You cannot add to a finished work. Someone once approached the great evangelist D. L. Moody and asked him, “Mr. Moody, what must I do to be saved?” He said, “I’m sorry, sir, you are too late. As a matter of fact, you are hundreds of years too late. All the doing has been done!”

Consider this Gift that has been given. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). As with any gift, in order to enjoy it, you must first believe that it is for you and then simply receive it as your own. The same is true for God’s Gift of eternal life—the gift of His Son. God made provision for the penalty of our sin but until we believe and receive this Gift it cannot take effect in our lives. The decision is left up each of us. In order to enjoy this gift, the Bible tells us,

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”—Romans 10:9-10, 13

Do you see what Jesus did for you? Do you see His great loving sacrifice to provide for you the greatest gift anyone can ever receive? Do you see that “It is finished”?

During this Easter season my prayer is that you too would sorrow in what Jesus went through for you but that you would also rejoice in what He accomplished for you. “It is finished!” Your ransom has been paid in full as the Gift of eternal life is set before you. The decision is yours—choose life!

“It is finished!”—the work is done! Simply believe it to be true and receive it on your behalf. Then with great joy you can sing:

“Man of sorrows!” what a name for the Son of God who came,
Ruined sinners to reclaim! Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned He stood, Sealed my pardon with His blood; Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we, spotless Lamb of God was He; Full atonement! Can it be? Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die, ‘It is finished’ was His cry; Now in heaven exalted high, Hallelujah, what a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King, all His ransomed home to bring, Then anew this song we‘ll sing, Hallelujah, what a Savior![i]

What will your experience be when death comes knocking? Will you with great joy look forward to the loving embrace of your Savior? Or are you unsure of what will meet you on the other side?

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”—Acts 16:31

For more information please consider reading the article, “How do I get to Heaven?” or you can also write to me at pastor@pibcny.com.

[i] Philip P. Bliss, “Hallelujah! What a Savior”

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Easter Services

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HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THE CROSS AND ALL OF ITS GLORY?

“But God forbid that I should glory [boast], save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14)

The cross, an instrument of death—glory?! These seem to oppose each other. But consider the glory of the cross as God sent His only begotten Son to pay the penalty of death that sin brought upon every living soul. It was on the cross that Christ “bore our sins in His own body, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose [Christ’s] stripes [we] are healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

So again I ask, “Have you considered the CROSS and all of its GLORY?” If not, come and join us! If you have, come and join us as we celebrate the death of our Savior—His death that brought us life. Come join us and see the CROSS, but then come back and see the EMPTY tomb.

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55 & 57)

The reality is that Christ Jesus is RISEN, “Just as He said” He would. Christ’s words were true and His WORD is still just as true.

Easter Services:

  • Good Friday – 7 pm
  • SON Rise – 7:30 am
  • Fellowship Breakfast – 8:30 am
  • Sunday School – 10 am
  • Resurrection Sunday Worship – 11 am