Category Archives: The Gospel

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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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God Loves You!

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How much do others know about you? Do you find that people begin to shy away from you as they get to know you more? How much do you want others to know about you?

I find it interesting how much some people are willing to publicize about themselves on social media or just in general conversation. Yet, in general, people do seem to be guarded about how much they share with others. Some “skeletons” just seem to be best kept in the closet away from the public eye or at best only known to few people.

Have you ever stopped to think of how much God knows about you? The Bible tells us, “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He pondereth [carefully] all his goings” (Proverbs 5:21). Does the reality that He knows everything about you, even all of your shortcomings and “skeletons,” lead you to the conclusion that “He must not love me because of them?” or even, “He must not love me because I’m just not good enough?”

The challenge for each of us is that we often depend upon how we feel and in turn allow our feelings to determine our sense of reality. If we are not careful, we can allow our circumstances to define our theology—Who we see God to be—and in turn shrink Him down to a size that is too small for our problems. What good is a small God?

Keep in mind that what you know and rely upon to be true about the Lord will transform your life! The Precious Truth that we need to consider is that God knows EVERYTHING there is to know about each of us and yet He still loves us!

If others knew you to the degree that God knows you, how would your relationships with them change? If you knew your best friend to the degree that God knows you would you continue in that friendship? Sometimes the more we get to know someone the more we wish we didn’t know them.

Consider David’s words in Psalm 139,

“O LORD, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”—Psalm 139:1-6

David realize that God knew him to the fullest extent that he could be known—even more than he knew himself. From this and other passages it is obvious that David was in awe of the fact that God even knew him. Consider what he says in Psalm 8.

“When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful [think about] of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest [to pay special attention] him?”—Psalm 8:3-4

Picture David, the shepherd boy, lying on his back looking up at the starlit sky speaking to God saying, “Lord, As I consider the great expanse of the universe that You made, how do You even know that I am here?” David was moved in worship that his infinite God took notice of his finite life. In the great expanse of God’s creation, the fact that He is intimately aware of each of our lives speaks of His greatness that is so far beyond my comprehension.

In Psalm 139, as I have pondered the reality that God knows everything there is to know about me, I am amazed to think that He still loves me. How do I draw this conclusion?

First, consider what God knows about each of us. David tells us in verses 1-4, “O LORD, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether.” David acknowledges God’s full & complete knowledge of him. There is nothing hidden from God. He knows all the secrets that only we know about ourselves. He knows all our thoughts, desires, intentions, and motives. He knows the hypocrisy and lies that we may live with thinking we are fooling everyone into believing we are someone that we truly are not. In verse 2 we read, “You understand my thought afar off.” God even knows the thoughts that we have yet to think. He knows more about us than even we know about ourselves. These are the actions of a God who loves us!

With all of this knowledge that God has about us, IS it a wonder to you that HE still loves you?  It is to me! He knows all the times that I have failed Him and all the times that I will fail Him yet that does not cause His love for me to diminish.

The Precious Truth to consider here is that God’s love is not dependent upon who I am or what I do but upon WHO HE IS! God’s love does not change, “for God is love” (1 John 4:8).

Next, consider what David concludes that God has done for him while possessing this knowledge. “Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me” (Psalm 139:5). With this knowledge God has not run from us but, instead, has drawn near to us. He knows that we need Him—we need His grace and mercy; we need His love and compassion; we need His wisdom and protection; we need His presence—we need HIM! God knows our needs and in turn, through His grace and mercy, has made provision for those needs.

Consider what He has done for us. “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). “But God commendeth [proved] His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, ‘Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee’” (Jeremiah 31:3).

God acted upon this knowledge and sent His only Son to make provision for our ultimate need—our need of salvation. Through faith in His Son, Jesus, we can be united to God in a personal relationship for all of eternity. Through faith alone in Christ alone my heart was changed—my sins were forgiven—my guilt was removed and I came to understand the loving relationship that my heavenly Father has always desired for me to have with Him. Consider reading “How Do I Get to Heaven” for additional insight on how you can enjoy a personal relationship with God.

As David ponders this truth he erupts in such unrestrainable joy and worship as he says, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it” (Psalm 139:6). This knowledge was outside of his realm of comprehension. It brought David to his knees in humility and awe as he worshipped his all-knowing, awesome God.

Get to know the God of the Bible. Read God’s Word and then take God at His Word. He means what He says and He says what He means! Our understanding of the knowledge of God should bring us to our knees in worship of Him. It should humble us and in turn we too should be in awe of Him.

As you consider what God knows about you also realize that He continues to stay with you and draw you. When others may distance themselves the more they learn of you, consider how the Lord draws near, fully knowing who we are. David continues in the following verses saying, “Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:7-10).

Our intimate knowledge of God will shape our response to the trials of life. In spite of all our shortcomings God promises, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed [or disheartened as you consider your circumstances]; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

Is this “knowledge too wonderful for you?” Does it move you to worship your God as it fills your heart with joy? Let us seek to be intentional about remembering who our God is. Jeremiah writes, “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope” (Lamentations 3:21). “This is what I intentionally remember about my God, therefore I have patient confidence.” The truths of God will stabilize you as you meditate upon them.

“GOD LOVES YOU!” Let this transforming truth settle your heart.

The Cradle and the Cross

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The Christmas season is once again upon us. The hustle and bustle of last-minute preparations, presents and planning seem to monopolize our time. Yet as I sit and ponder both the reality and meaning of this season, I wonder if we have fallen into the trap of the busyness and gift-giving, that we have forgotten what makes this season so great. I’m not against giving gifts and planning our gatherings with friends and family, frankly I love these aspects of this season. But I would like to take a moment, in between the phone calls, keystrokes and internet searches to direct our minds toward “the Gift”—the Greatest Gift ever given in the history of mankind.

Unfortunately, in many ways, Christmas has been hijacked by some reindeer who supposedly can fly, pulling a sleigh filled with presents to be delivered to every “good” child in the world, in one evening, being driven by a jolly old man, who clearly has had one too many cookies, dressed in a red suit, who slides down chimneys to deliver presents even in homes with no chimneys. Quite a believable story, right?!

Somehow, in many homes, this story has replaced the story of the birth of the Child born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. The story of the Greatest Gift ever given. The story of grace and mercy, hope and love. The story of humility and sacrifice. The story of the God of heaven looking down upon His creation and sending His Son to be the Gift of life to a lost and dying world. This amazing story is the story of Christmas. It is the story of the cradle and the cross.

“Cradle” and “Cross” — What do these words mean to you? A cradle brings memories to parents of the early days with their children. Memories of anticipation of “what this child will become” among the sleepless nights and delirious questioning of my own abilities as a parent handling this great responsibility. The cradle is a picture of innocence and expectation. The cross, on the other hand, brings to mind pain and suffering, torture and death.

How can these two words be brought together especially in the context of Christmas? Truth be told, the greatest story the world has ever known is wrapped up in these words, of innocence and expectation, of pain and suffering, torture and death.

These two words, when boiled down reveal a profound contrast yet powerful and life-giving reality. The cradle is a picture of new life while the cross is a picture of death. As we consider the cradle and the cross, we see the true reason for this Christmas season—it is all about CHRIST.

The story unfolds as the angel Gabriel comes to Mary, a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph.

And the angel said unto her, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end. ”—Luke 1:30-33

Talk about anticipation and the weight of responsibility this announcement brings. Yet Mary humbly responds as a willing servant, saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38).

Next, we find Joseph struggling with the news of his pregnant fiancé and what he should do.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she [Mary] shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.”—Matthew 1:20-21

I remember back to those days as I was anticipating the birth of our first child. The thoughts of this soon-coming responsibility of fatherhood, at times, were heavy and oppressive. I can only imagine what went through Joseph’s mind as he hears this announcement. I’m sure to some degree, this put Joseph’s mind at ease, yet he too has just received a heavenly announcement, filled with anticipation, being weighted down with the greatest responsibility—“I will be raising the One who will save His people from their sins?” But yet, without delay, he obediently took these steps of faith.

In the second chapter of Luke, additional characters are brought into this narrative. The anticipation finally reaches a crescendo with the birth of this Child, followed by more angels, this time singing and praising God, making a heavenly announcement of the birth of the Lamb of God to some lowly shepherds.

And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”—Luke 2:10-12

The cradle is the focus of the first act in this Christmas narrative while in the second act the curtain opens revealing the purpose for this cradle as the cross takes centerstage.

One of my favorite Christmas hymns was written by Ron Hamilton titled, “Born to Die.” The message of the third verse with the chorus sums up the message of the Cradle and Cross.

From His throne Jesus came, laid aside Heaven’s fame
In exchange for the cross of Calvary;
For my gain suffered loss, for my sin He bore the cross—
He was wounded and I was set free.
Born to die upon Calvary, Jesus suffered my sin to forgive;
Born to die upon Calvary, He was wounded that I might live.

In these words we see the cradle and the cross. The cross cast its shadow over the cradle as Jesus was born and laid in the manger. This was the purpose for which Christ was born—He was born to die. Remember the angel’s words to Joseph, “And [Mary] shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins”?

Jesus was born so that He could die. This sounds quite depressing as far as stories go. Clearly this wasn’t written for any awards or block-buster movie deals. Up until this point it captivates our attention. It is filled with twists and turns that make for a good story yet at this point many choose to disembark this story train—Jesus was born so that He could die! See, if the story ended here then I would agree but give it a chance, keep on reading and see how this story is for you. The great reality is that Christ’s death was not the stories’ end but a pivotal moment within the narrative of Christ’s provision for our salvation. It was part of the process of securing our salvation. The cross is empty and so is the tomb as it could not hold Him. Christ has conquered death and has risen from the grave, just as He said He would (Matthew 16:21).

The purpose for which Christ came to this earth was to die, to pay the penalty for our sin—which He did. BUT then He rose again the third day, claiming victory over death leaving the tomb empty as evidence of a risen, living Savior.

Don’t overlook the journey from the cradle to the cross. Stop and look upon the empty cross and see all the suffering Christ bore on your behalf. Then keep going from that tree to the tomb. Again, stop and look inside and see Him there no more and rejoice for He lives! But there is more…continue on from the grave to the glorious mount as He ascended, returning to the Father.

From the cradle to the cross we see how Christ lived as a perfect Example and He died as a perfect Sacrifice. In that He triumphs over the tomb, we see that He lives as a conquering King and He saves as a perfect SAVIOR.

Remember that there is a Christ in CHRISTmas for a reason. HE is the REASON for this season. Celebrate HIM as the Greatest Gift ever given. “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). Because of Christ’s death on the cross, we can enjoy the cradle of a new birth in Christ—a life with Christ that never ends—a life with Him here on this earth and in heaven for eternity.

Do you have a relationship with Christ? Have you received this Greatest Gift that is eternal life? Consider Christ’s words to a religious man searching for answers about life. Jesus answered and said unto him, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again [from above], he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) The Bible says elsewhere, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Have you responded to Christ when He says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest [peace]” (Matthew 11:28). Christ’s invitation demands a response. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) “But as many as received Him [JESUS], to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:” (John 1:12)

If you haven’t placed your faith and trust in CHRIST alone for salvation won’t you consider doing that today? This Christmas enjoy the Greatest Gift ever given—His name is JESUS. He will never fail you for in Him alone is contentment, peace, joy, and love that truly transcends all understanding. In Him alone is true life that never ends.

Join with me this Christmas season and make JESUS the center—put CHRIST at the center of your CHRISTmas.

For more information, consider reading “How do I get to heaven?” and
“God Loves You!”

There Is No God?…REALLY?

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Do you believe this? Please consider what the Bible says:

“The fool hath said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ …” (Psalm 53:1)

Please consider what the beauty of the earth around you says:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork.” (Psalm 19:1)

Would anyone consider a beautiful painting and say, “No one painted that!” or an architectural structure that you stop and admire and say, “No one built that!“? Then why would we look upon this amazing earth that we call home and say, “It happened by chance—there is no Creator!”? The vibrant colors of spring…the complexity of every living organism…the consistency of the cycle of day and night along with the season…the similarity of the orbital structure of the microscopic atom to the planetary activity in our universe—ALL proves and proclaims that God EXISTS! that HE created all of it.

The Bible says that someone who looks at this beautiful earth around him and concludes, “This happened by CHANCE—that there is no God” is foolish.

The sad reality is that when you don’t believe in God’s amazing work of creation, how will you ever believe in His amazing love that He displayed in His saving action? As a result you will never enter into a personal relation with the GOD who made you.

The Bible says, “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:17)

“But God commendeth [proved] His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

THERE IS A GOD…REALLY!!

He loves you enough to let you enjoy this amazing creation of His that you call “home” even though many are so ungrateful and don’t even give Him credit. He also loves you enough to send His only Son to die in your place, paying your debt of sin as well as mine.

“For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)

“For the wages of sin is DEATH; but the gift of God is eternal LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

There not only IS a God but this God wants to have a loving relationship with YOU!

“And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

For more information about “KNOWING GOD” and having a personal relationship with Him consider reading this article: “How do I get to Heaven?“.

The Most Precious Truth

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When you think of “Precious Truths” which is the greatest of them all?  For me the answer is simply God’s love.

Consider this…without the love of God, would He have sent His Son to pay our penalty of sin? Without the love of God could we enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ? Without the love of God could we have hope of eternal life?

It is the love of God which sent Christ to the manger.  It is the love of God which sent Christ to the cross.  It is the love of God which gives the gift of eternal life.

“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)

It shows us that God loves us enough that He would send His beloved Son into this lost world in order to reconcile us to Himself through His Son’s death.

The Bible tells us that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23). We are also told that our sin separates us from God as we earn the penalty of death (Romans 6:23).

“But God, Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened [made us alive] us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:4-5)

This is an amazing reality…this is amazing love! “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:…” (1 John 3:1)

I picture the apostle John writing these words and saying, “Wow! This is amazing! God loves me so much that He made a way possible for me to become His child!”  It still shook John to the very core, even at the end of his life, as he considered what his Savior did for him.

In the Gospel of John the apostle is only mentioned as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”  This title was what he wanted to be remembered by because of the precious truth that it displayed. What title do you and I want to be called? What do we want to be known for?

The Bible further explains how God’s love was displayed in Christ’s death.

“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)

God “manifested” or displayed His love to us by sending His Son into this world to pay the penalty for our sin.  God poured out His just and divine wrath upon His beloved Son in the place of all of us sinners.

“But God [demonstrated] His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:8)

Christ said to us in His actions, “I love you this much” as He willingly spread out His arms upon the cross and died in our place.

One of the ways the Bible defines love is found in John 15:13 where it says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Christ Jesus laid down His life for us.  He sacrificed His own life so that we could have a relationship with the Father as our Father.  In John 17, Christ prays “for them also which shall be believe on Me” (v. 20).  His desire was for us to have the same relationship that He has with the Father.  He says, “That they [those who believe] all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us:…” (v. 21) He goes on to say in verse 23 that He desires that we would be loved by the Father just as He is loved by the Father.  This self-sacrificing love was expressed upon the cross—it was done so that we could live—truly live.

As I consider the extent of the love of God I realize that these words only begin to scratch the surface, if even that.  I pray that as you read these words that you would stop and meditate upon God’s love. What does it mean for you?

The apostle Paul’s prayer was “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which [transcends] knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)

This prayer of Paul is for his audience to “know the love of Christ” which transcends human understanding. Knowing the “love of God” brings change. To be “filled” is to be controlled. Being “filled with the fullness of God” is to be controlled by God as He transforms us into the image of His Son. This speaks of becoming more like Jesus Christ. Knowing the “love of Christ” leads to the likeness of Christ. The more we rest in God’s love the more we are changed by it.

Do you know the love of God? Have you entered into this wonderful relationship with God by placing your faith and trust in Him alone for salvation?

The Bible clearly says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

I close with words from a favorite hymn of mine called, “The Love of God.”  Consider the third verse and chorus…

“Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made, were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade, to write the love of God above, would drain the ocean dry.  Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure the saints’ and angels’ song.”  – (hymn by Fred­er­ick Leh­man, lyr­ics are based on the Jew­ish poem Haddamut)