letsloveothers

More than 2000 years ago Jesus was crucified. The crucifixion graphically reveals the barbarity… ugliness… cruelty… viciousness… evil of sin. Shouting to all. “Work hard for sin your whole life, and death is your reward!”

YOUR sin

• whipped His body with a cat o’ nine tails until skin and muscle were torn from the bones.
• pounded the nails into His hands.
• shoved the crown of thorns down into His skull.
• pulverized His face.
• slowly sucked the breath from His lungs.

Knowing this would be His destiny here on earth. Jesus still chose to

• leave His heavenly throne, come to earth and live life as a human being. Redeeming you from the pit of hell was His heart’s cry.
• lovingly heal and comfort the lost, the forgotten, the hurting. Men and women who would desert Him in His time of need. Condemning Him to death of unspeakable horror.
• use precious air to plead. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

Jesus died alone and separated from His heavenly Father’s presence so that none of us ever have to ask. “My God! My God! Why have You forsaken Me?”

Yes, Jesus was crucified. Thankfully, that is not the end of this love story! Jesus did not remain on the cross or in the tomb. He overcame death and was resurrected.

God so loved us that He chose to pay the ransom that would ensure the release of His children from satan’s dominion and authority!

The first time I read the Scripture. “Looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.” My spirit leaped with joy. Did this mean believers played a pivotal role in Christ’s return? This possibility enlarged my expectations for Kingdom living.

YES, I could make a difference in the Kingdom!

YES, I could make this world a better place!

YES, I could be a catalyst for change!

YES, I with others could become the Church Jesus loved! “Gave Himself for Her. To make Her holy, cleansing Her in the washing of water by the Word. He did this to present the Church to Himself in splendor without spot or wrinkle or any such thing but holy and blameless.”

YES, Jesus is returning! But this time it will not be as a baby suckling at Mary’s breast but as a mighty warrior. Vanquishing evil. Eternally establishing the Kingdom— heaven on earth. Declaring once and for all, “It is finished!”

It is the Church— men and women who will be the catalyst for Christ’s return. Individuals rescued from lives of despair and hopelessness by God’s love.

YES, it is time for the Church to be a vessel of blessings not curses. Becoming a Bride worthy to wed the Bridegroom— Jesus. Making wedding plans by being the answer to Paul’s prayer.

“May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the Holy Spirit. Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality. May Christ through your faith actually dwell… settle down… abide… make His permanent home in your hearts!

May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints— God’s devoted people. The experience of that love— what is the breadth and length and height and depth of it.

That you may really come to know practically through experience for yourselves the love of Christ. Which far surpasses mere knowledge without experience. That you may be filled through all your being unto all the fullness of God. May have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself!”

Luke 23:34 (The New King James Version)

Matthew 27:46 (The New King James Version)

2 Peter 3:12 (The New King James Version)

Ephesians 3:16-19 (Amplified Bible)

Be a VOICE in the deafening sound of sameness!