Lewis W. Gregory's Blog
October 25, 2015
RIGHTEOUS, WHO ME?
YES YOU! In 1983 on a mission trip in Mexico I preached a series on “Our Righteousness in Christ.” At the end I challenged the people to take turns standing and declaring “I am the righteousness of God in Christ!” Only one 12 year old boy had the boldness to do so. But once he did the Spirit of God moved mightily in our midst, and others joined him. Hallelujah!!! The church needs a righteousness consciousness to replace the sin consciousness. If we awake to righteousness, sin will become a non-issue. http://www.sourceministries.net/go/20...
THE NEW YOU http://www.sourceministries.net/go/re...
THE NEW YOU http://www.sourceministries.net/go/re...
October 8, 2014
The Lost Art of Receiving
In this world there are givers and takers. However, effective takers must be receivers. And not everyone knows how to receive. Most people are trying to take it by force, which is a recipe for failure. Discover the art of biblical receiving and you will be able to tap into God’s abundant supply. http://www.sourceministries.net/go/20...
October 2, 2014
THERE'S A GRACE FOR THAT!
We've all heard it or perhaps even said it. "There's an app for that." And there usually is. But there is something even better for those who are in Christ. Once you received Christ, you are under God's grace. Which means God's grace has got you covered. Therefore, when you are faced with the various challenges of life; just remember, there's a grace for that. This is not about you applying anything. It's about God doing everything. His grace is all encompassing and all sufficient. Furthermore, God's marvelous grace is readily available to meet all your needs. So rest assured, whatever comes your way, THERE'S A GRACE FOR THAT! http://www.sourceministries.net/go/20...
August 9, 2014
YOU ARE SPECIAL!
You’re not an accident or an afterthought. God chose you. “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” Ephesians 1:4 You are an integral part of GOD'S plan, which makes you very special! https://www.facebook.com/notes/lewis-...
May 19, 2014
5-19-14 TGIM! GOOD NEWS
THE WORD IS: In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
THE POINT IS: People typically associate Thanksgiving with a holiday season in the US when families come together to count their blessings and give thanks. Although this is a good thing to do, it is important to realize that thanksgiving is always in season! Here’s why: Giving thanks is God’s will! Many Christian’s are concerned about God’s will, and rightly so. What God wants is not only right, but it’s also the best thing for us. This verse spells out one aspect of God’s will that is very clear-cut. Just be thankful! This involves being thankful to God in every situation, under any circumstance, regardless of the outcome. The exhortation to be thankful in everything requires more than lip service. God does not want us to merely honor Him with our lips, while our hearts are far from Him. The kind of thankfulness He desires must stem from a grateful heart. True thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart. Such an attitude of gratitude toward God is God’s will for your life!
THE APPLICATION IS: How is this possible? It is only possible with God, who makes all things possible. Because of the presence of His Spirit within you, it is possible for you to have a whole different perspective on life. When you see that God is in you, and see that God is in your circumstances, it changes everything. Knowing God is in you, as well as in everything that comes into your life, means that His higher purposes (which are always redemptive) will prevail. He will get you through it—whatever it is! Such thankfulness requires a faith response. Of course, you won’t always feel like giving thanks with your emotions, or even understand it with your mind. But that’s OK, because in your heart you know that giving thanks is the right thing to do. God has made that clear in this verse of Scripture. Therefore, as you, by faith, open your mouth to express thanksgiving, God will make it possible for you to be thankful. He will fill your mouth with words of thanksgiving. So be sure to give thanks in all things. It will make all the difference! And, you’ll be glad you did.
Have a great week,
Lewis & Lue Gregory
Believe it, receive it, print it, post it.
Most of all, live it!
This is really good news, so please pass it on.
TGIM! GOOD NEWS: Making the simple truth of God’s Word real and relevant for daily living.
Source is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), faith-based discipleship ministry.
All donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated!
http://www.sourceministries.net/go/ki...
The preceding message is provided as a service of Source Ministries © 2014.
THE POINT IS: People typically associate Thanksgiving with a holiday season in the US when families come together to count their blessings and give thanks. Although this is a good thing to do, it is important to realize that thanksgiving is always in season! Here’s why: Giving thanks is God’s will! Many Christian’s are concerned about God’s will, and rightly so. What God wants is not only right, but it’s also the best thing for us. This verse spells out one aspect of God’s will that is very clear-cut. Just be thankful! This involves being thankful to God in every situation, under any circumstance, regardless of the outcome. The exhortation to be thankful in everything requires more than lip service. God does not want us to merely honor Him with our lips, while our hearts are far from Him. The kind of thankfulness He desires must stem from a grateful heart. True thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart. Such an attitude of gratitude toward God is God’s will for your life!
THE APPLICATION IS: How is this possible? It is only possible with God, who makes all things possible. Because of the presence of His Spirit within you, it is possible for you to have a whole different perspective on life. When you see that God is in you, and see that God is in your circumstances, it changes everything. Knowing God is in you, as well as in everything that comes into your life, means that His higher purposes (which are always redemptive) will prevail. He will get you through it—whatever it is! Such thankfulness requires a faith response. Of course, you won’t always feel like giving thanks with your emotions, or even understand it with your mind. But that’s OK, because in your heart you know that giving thanks is the right thing to do. God has made that clear in this verse of Scripture. Therefore, as you, by faith, open your mouth to express thanksgiving, God will make it possible for you to be thankful. He will fill your mouth with words of thanksgiving. So be sure to give thanks in all things. It will make all the difference! And, you’ll be glad you did.
Have a great week,
Lewis & Lue Gregory
Believe it, receive it, print it, post it.
Most of all, live it!
This is really good news, so please pass it on.
TGIM! GOOD NEWS: Making the simple truth of God’s Word real and relevant for daily living.
Source is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), faith-based discipleship ministry.
All donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated!
http://www.sourceministries.net/go/ki...
The preceding message is provided as a service of Source Ministries © 2014.
April 28, 2014
4-28-14 TGIM! GOOD NEWS
THE WORD IS: And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 2 Corinthians 8:5
THE POINT IS: First things first! It may sound trite, but there’s a good reason why first things must come first. So many people are so busy doing so many different things. But it’s all out of order. Some people, with the best of intentions, may even think that they are doing it all for God. Regardless of the motivation, such busy work can become overwhelming, if not destructive. This is because most people have missed the main thing. So what is the main thing? The Scripture verse in 2 Corinthians 8:5 tells us the main thing. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself is the main thing. He is God’s will for our life! God must come first because only the Lord God Almighty has our best interest at heart. The first thing God wants is for us to give ourselves to Him, so that he can take care of us. Therefore, if we want to get the most out of life, then it starts by first giving ourselves to the Lord.
THE APPLICATION IS: Most people are willing to give their problems to the Lord, but what He really wants is you! So, what does it mean to give your self to the Lord? It means that you give Him your entire self—your total being—all that you are and have. Giving your self to the Lord requires a total surrender. You must give up all your plans and all your efforts at living life. This is God’s will for your life. All sincere Christians say that they want God’s will. Well, here it is. Simply give yourself to the Lord, and then trust Him to take you and make you what He wants you to be. Once you have done this, then you will be able to know and accomplish God’s will for your life. And that’s as good as it gets!
Have a great week,
Lewis & Lue Gregory
Believe it, receive it, print it, post it.
Most of all, live it!
This is really good news, so please pass it on.
TGIM! GOOD NEWS: Making the simple truth of God’s Word real and relevant for daily living.
http://www.sourceministries.net/go/
The preceding message is provided as a service of Source Ministries © 2014.
THE POINT IS: First things first! It may sound trite, but there’s a good reason why first things must come first. So many people are so busy doing so many different things. But it’s all out of order. Some people, with the best of intentions, may even think that they are doing it all for God. Regardless of the motivation, such busy work can become overwhelming, if not destructive. This is because most people have missed the main thing. So what is the main thing? The Scripture verse in 2 Corinthians 8:5 tells us the main thing. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself is the main thing. He is God’s will for our life! God must come first because only the Lord God Almighty has our best interest at heart. The first thing God wants is for us to give ourselves to Him, so that he can take care of us. Therefore, if we want to get the most out of life, then it starts by first giving ourselves to the Lord.
THE APPLICATION IS: Most people are willing to give their problems to the Lord, but what He really wants is you! So, what does it mean to give your self to the Lord? It means that you give Him your entire self—your total being—all that you are and have. Giving your self to the Lord requires a total surrender. You must give up all your plans and all your efforts at living life. This is God’s will for your life. All sincere Christians say that they want God’s will. Well, here it is. Simply give yourself to the Lord, and then trust Him to take you and make you what He wants you to be. Once you have done this, then you will be able to know and accomplish God’s will for your life. And that’s as good as it gets!
Have a great week,
Lewis & Lue Gregory
Believe it, receive it, print it, post it.
Most of all, live it!
This is really good news, so please pass it on.
TGIM! GOOD NEWS: Making the simple truth of God’s Word real and relevant for daily living.
http://www.sourceministries.net/go/
The preceding message is provided as a service of Source Ministries © 2014.
4-28-14 TGIM! GOOD NEWS
THE WORD IS: And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 2 Corinthians 8:5
THE POINT IS: First things first! It may sound trite, but there’s a good reason why first things must come first. So many people are so busy doing so many different things. But it’s all out of order. Some people, with the best of intentions, may even think that they are doing it all for God. Regardless of the motivation, such busy work can become overwhelming, if not destructive. This is because most people have missed the main thing. So what is the main thing? The Scripture verse in 2 Corinthians 8:5 tells us the main thing. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself is the main thing. He is God’s will for our life! God must come first because only the Lord God Almighty has our best interest at heart. The first thing God wants is for us to give ourselves to Him, so that he can take care of us. Therefore, if we want to get the most out of life, then it starts by first giving ourselves to the Lord.
THE APPLICATION IS: Most people are willing to give their problems to the Lord, but what He really wants is you! So, what does it mean to give your self to the Lord? It means that you give Him your entire self—your total being—all that you are and have. Giving your self to the Lord requires a total surrender. You must give up all your plans and all your efforts at living life. This is God’s will for your life. All sincere Christians say that they want God’s will. Well, here it is. Simply give yourself to the Lord, and then trust Him to take you and make you what He wants you to be. Once you have done this, then you will be able to know and accomplish God’s will for your life. And that’s as good as it gets!
Have a great week,
Lewis & Lue Gregory
Believe it, receive it, print it, post it.
Most of all, live it!
This is really good news, so please pass it on.
TGIM! GOOD NEWS: Making the simple truth of God’s Word real and relevant for daily living.
http://www.sourceministries.net/go/
The preceding message is provided as a service of Source Ministries © 2014.
THE POINT IS: First things first! It may sound trite, but there’s a good reason why first things must come first. So many people are so busy doing so many different things. But it’s all out of order. Some people, with the best of intentions, may even think that they are doing it all for God. Regardless of the motivation, such busy work can become overwhelming, if not destructive. This is because most people have missed the main thing. So what is the main thing? The Scripture verse in 2 Corinthians 8:5 tells us the main thing. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself is the main thing. He is God’s will for our life! God must come first because only the Lord God Almighty has our best interest at heart. The first thing God wants is for us to give ourselves to Him, so that he can take care of us. Therefore, if we want to get the most out of life, then it starts by first giving ourselves to the Lord.
THE APPLICATION IS: Most people are willing to give their problems to the Lord, but what He really wants is you! So, what does it mean to give your self to the Lord? It means that you give Him your entire self—your total being—all that you are and have. Giving your self to the Lord requires a total surrender. You must give up all your plans and all your efforts at living life. This is God’s will for your life. All sincere Christians say that they want God’s will. Well, here it is. Simply give yourself to the Lord, and then trust Him to take you and make you what He wants you to be. Once you have done this, then you will be able to know and accomplish God’s will for your life. And that’s as good as it gets!
Have a great week,
Lewis & Lue Gregory
Believe it, receive it, print it, post it.
Most of all, live it!
This is really good news, so please pass it on.
TGIM! GOOD NEWS: Making the simple truth of God’s Word real and relevant for daily living.
http://www.sourceministries.net/go/
The preceding message is provided as a service of Source Ministries © 2014.
April 21, 2014
GOOD NEWS FOR YOUR WEEK TGIM - Thank God It’s Monday! 4-21-14
THE WORD IS: Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice… 1 Samuel 15:22; …but you have obeyed from the heart… Romans 6:17; …the obedience of faith… Romans 16:26; …obeying the truth through the Spirit… 1 Peter 1:22
THE POINT IS: Evidently, obedience is very important to God. But, what kind of obedience? The obedience God desires is not based on performing external rituals such as religious ceremonies, sacrifices, or traditions. Not even the obedience of conducting your life according to a biblical code of moral goodness can satisfy God’s holy requirements. Even if you do attain a form of godliness by such practices, it is still not God, and thus it is not good enough—not for God that is! The particular kind of obedience that God desires, and requires, must stem from the heart. Such obedience is a faith response to the living God that allows the Spirit of God to produce the life of God in the child of God. Only the Holy Spirit can accomplish the will of God in and through our lives, which is the whole point of obedience!
THE APPLICATION IS: Yes, God wants obedience! But obedience of this magnitude is only possible as you co-operate with God by allowing Him to operate through you. Today’s Scriptures indicate that God desires wholehearted obedience based on faith in Him, which results in the Holy Spirit being released to accomplish His work through you. Are you obeying God? Are you living a life of true obedience to God? You are if your obedience is derived from the inner man of your spirit, rather than the outer man of your flesh. Such heartfelt obedience is an attitude of faith, not just a perfunctory act of the flesh. This kind of obedience always accomplishes the will of God because it releases the Spirit of God to work in your life. The Holy Spirit will enable you to obey the truth of God’s Word. And that’s true obedience!
Have a great week,
Lewis & Lue Gregory
Believe it, receive it, print it, post it.
Most of all, live it!
This is really good news, so please pass it on.
TGIM! GOOD NEWS: Making the simple truth of God’s Word real and relevant for daily living.
http://www.sourceministries.net/go/
The preceding message is provided as a service of Source Ministries © 2014.
THE POINT IS: Evidently, obedience is very important to God. But, what kind of obedience? The obedience God desires is not based on performing external rituals such as religious ceremonies, sacrifices, or traditions. Not even the obedience of conducting your life according to a biblical code of moral goodness can satisfy God’s holy requirements. Even if you do attain a form of godliness by such practices, it is still not God, and thus it is not good enough—not for God that is! The particular kind of obedience that God desires, and requires, must stem from the heart. Such obedience is a faith response to the living God that allows the Spirit of God to produce the life of God in the child of God. Only the Holy Spirit can accomplish the will of God in and through our lives, which is the whole point of obedience!
THE APPLICATION IS: Yes, God wants obedience! But obedience of this magnitude is only possible as you co-operate with God by allowing Him to operate through you. Today’s Scriptures indicate that God desires wholehearted obedience based on faith in Him, which results in the Holy Spirit being released to accomplish His work through you. Are you obeying God? Are you living a life of true obedience to God? You are if your obedience is derived from the inner man of your spirit, rather than the outer man of your flesh. Such heartfelt obedience is an attitude of faith, not just a perfunctory act of the flesh. This kind of obedience always accomplishes the will of God because it releases the Spirit of God to work in your life. The Holy Spirit will enable you to obey the truth of God’s Word. And that’s true obedience!
Have a great week,
Lewis & Lue Gregory
Believe it, receive it, print it, post it.
Most of all, live it!
This is really good news, so please pass it on.
TGIM! GOOD NEWS: Making the simple truth of God’s Word real and relevant for daily living.
http://www.sourceministries.net/go/
The preceding message is provided as a service of Source Ministries © 2014.
April 19, 2014
The True Meaning of Easter
Dr. Lewis Gregory
Easter is a Christian holiday. It is the most special of all Christian holidays. What makes it so special? Three very notable events occurred which make Easter the most significant holy day of all—the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Crosses. They’re everywhere! Crosses come in many different forms, sizes, and shapes. You see them on church buildings, in people’s homes, or in their cars. People wear them as jewelry—necklaces, rings, earrings, and lapel pins. Some people even have tattoos of the cross on their bodies. Others are seen making the sign of the cross before or after a major event—athletes are especially noted for this. Cemeteries often have crosses marking the graves.
During my tour of duty in 1967 with the U.S. Navy in Vietnam, I traveled to the city of Manila in the Philippines. My visit to the city included the cemetery where the U.S. soldiers from World War II were buried. What a sight! I gazed in awe at the seemingly endless rows of white crosses (over 17,000) marking their graves. My namesake, Lewis Richey, one of Dad’s best friends, died in that war while fighting in the Philippines. I couldn’t help but wonder if his name was on one of those crosses.
The sight of all those crosses was a vivid reminder of the great price that has been paid for freedom. It was a deeply moving time for me. As a soldier myself, it struck close to home. This was partly because I was in the midst of a war in a distant land, far removed from family and friends. But it was primarily because of the contrast between all those crosses and the one cross they represented. I couldn’t help but think of what the cross symbolized, and what it meant to me personally.
The cross undoubtedly means different things to different people. A repairman came to our house once wearing a very large, ornate golden cross. It was such an unusual piece of jewelry that I finally asked him about it. He had a vague understanding about the Lord, and a somewhat general idea about the cross. However, based on his response, it was evident that he was oblivious to the true significance of the cross. What about you? What does the cross mean to you?
What Is the Real Significance of the Cross?
The cross itself is not really significant at all. The original crosses were just two pieces of wood crossed and bound together and used for execution. They were quite plain, rather crude, and somewhat common. Then what makes the cross significant? The significance of the cross stems from one very special person, who was crucified on a cross. It was the death of the pure and perfect Son of God, upon an old, rugged cross that gave it significance. The critical point for all Christendom occurred when Jesus Christ was executed upon the cross. Therefore, the cross is central to Christianity!
In order to grasp the full magnitude of the cross, you need to view it in its proper context. All the events surrounding Christ’s death on the cross must be taken into account. Only then can you perceive the significance of the cross.
Let’s begin with a brief summary. First there is the preexistent, eternal deity of Christ, then His virgin birth, followed by His sinless life of perfect obedience to the Father. Next came His sacrificial, substitutionary, all-sufficient, atoning death on the cross, with His subsequent burial. Afterward, there was His triumphant resurrection, and then His glorious ascension into heaven. As a result of all that, Christians can enjoy His indwelling presence here on earth through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ lived a completely selfless life. He lived totally for the sake of others. He served the needs of His fellow men by feeding the poor, healing the sick, and instructing the masses. Yet, in spite of His sinless life and all His philanthropic deeds for humanity, He was arrested, convicted, and ultimately crucified. Crucified is the term used to describe someone who has been executed upon a cross for a crime. It is a very slow, extremely painful, and grossly humiliating form of punishment. Death is never pleasant, but being executed upon a cross is sheer torture.
However, unlike others who were executed, Jesus Christ did not remain in the grave. Although He was crucified and buried, three days later He arose from the grave! Hallelujah, Christ arose!
Every year on Easter morning, atop Stone Mountain in Georgia, a sunrise worship service is held to commemorate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is very inspirational for the more than 3,000 hardy souls who get up early and make the trek to the top. Our family has done it several times. On one particular occasion, the local TV station was there to cover the event. One of the people they interviewed was our teenage daughter, Amy.
When they asked her what she thought about the event, she exclaimed, “I’m glad to be up here. This is what Easter is all about. Today is the most important holiday for Christians. It is the day that we celebrate our risen Lord!”
He is risen indeed! The apostle Paul recounts the event, “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Christ was raised from the dead by the power of God. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to more than 500 people, including His own disciples. Forty days following His resurrection, He returned to God the Father. He did this by ascending bodily into the sky, until He disappeared in the clouds. Now, He is seated at the right hand of the Father in the heavenly realm, where He always lives to make intercession for us.
Paid in Full!
Praise God—Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins! He did this by willingly taking our place, and dying as a ransom for our sins. “You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death” (Colossians 1:21–22). The demands of God’s righteous system of justice were met through Christ’s sacrificial death on our behalf. Since Christ was the perfect sacrifice that God required, He now declares our sin debt paid in full. Therefore, God offers a full pardon from all sins for those who will accept Jesus Christ as their redeemer.
The pardon that God offers you comes entirely as a result of His grace, without any merit on your part whatsoever. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). Dr. J. I. Packer points to grace as the basis of this pardon. “Justification,” he says, “is the truly dramatic transition from the status of a condemned criminal awaiting a terrible sentence to that of an heir awaiting a fabulous inheritance.” You are justified in the sight of God because of His grace being extended to you through the cross.
“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). Jesus Christ is God’s sole provision for your salvation. Only Christ is capable of redeeming you from Satan’s dominion of sin and death.
That is exactly what Christ did. “[He] gave himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:6). He submitted Himself to be crucified at the hands of wicked men. He willingly subjected Himself to be nailed to a cross, and there He died! “He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). The cross, in the biblical sense, represents Christ’s sacrificial death for sinful humanity.
His death was not limited to any particular race or class of people. The death that Christ died encompassed all mankind. “That He by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Hebrews 2:9). Christ not only died for us, but also as us. His death was in actuality our death. When Christ died on that cross, you died too! Furthermore, when Christ arose, you arose too! Christ became one with you in death in order that you might be one with Him in life. And that’s the real meaning of Easter. Taken from Introducing THE NEW YOU, to read more… http://www.sourceministries.net/go/re...
The preceding message is provided as a service of Source Ministries © 2014.
Easter is a Christian holiday. It is the most special of all Christian holidays. What makes it so special? Three very notable events occurred which make Easter the most significant holy day of all—the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Crosses. They’re everywhere! Crosses come in many different forms, sizes, and shapes. You see them on church buildings, in people’s homes, or in their cars. People wear them as jewelry—necklaces, rings, earrings, and lapel pins. Some people even have tattoos of the cross on their bodies. Others are seen making the sign of the cross before or after a major event—athletes are especially noted for this. Cemeteries often have crosses marking the graves.
During my tour of duty in 1967 with the U.S. Navy in Vietnam, I traveled to the city of Manila in the Philippines. My visit to the city included the cemetery where the U.S. soldiers from World War II were buried. What a sight! I gazed in awe at the seemingly endless rows of white crosses (over 17,000) marking their graves. My namesake, Lewis Richey, one of Dad’s best friends, died in that war while fighting in the Philippines. I couldn’t help but wonder if his name was on one of those crosses.
The sight of all those crosses was a vivid reminder of the great price that has been paid for freedom. It was a deeply moving time for me. As a soldier myself, it struck close to home. This was partly because I was in the midst of a war in a distant land, far removed from family and friends. But it was primarily because of the contrast between all those crosses and the one cross they represented. I couldn’t help but think of what the cross symbolized, and what it meant to me personally.
The cross undoubtedly means different things to different people. A repairman came to our house once wearing a very large, ornate golden cross. It was such an unusual piece of jewelry that I finally asked him about it. He had a vague understanding about the Lord, and a somewhat general idea about the cross. However, based on his response, it was evident that he was oblivious to the true significance of the cross. What about you? What does the cross mean to you?
What Is the Real Significance of the Cross?
The cross itself is not really significant at all. The original crosses were just two pieces of wood crossed and bound together and used for execution. They were quite plain, rather crude, and somewhat common. Then what makes the cross significant? The significance of the cross stems from one very special person, who was crucified on a cross. It was the death of the pure and perfect Son of God, upon an old, rugged cross that gave it significance. The critical point for all Christendom occurred when Jesus Christ was executed upon the cross. Therefore, the cross is central to Christianity!
In order to grasp the full magnitude of the cross, you need to view it in its proper context. All the events surrounding Christ’s death on the cross must be taken into account. Only then can you perceive the significance of the cross.
Let’s begin with a brief summary. First there is the preexistent, eternal deity of Christ, then His virgin birth, followed by His sinless life of perfect obedience to the Father. Next came His sacrificial, substitutionary, all-sufficient, atoning death on the cross, with His subsequent burial. Afterward, there was His triumphant resurrection, and then His glorious ascension into heaven. As a result of all that, Christians can enjoy His indwelling presence here on earth through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ lived a completely selfless life. He lived totally for the sake of others. He served the needs of His fellow men by feeding the poor, healing the sick, and instructing the masses. Yet, in spite of His sinless life and all His philanthropic deeds for humanity, He was arrested, convicted, and ultimately crucified. Crucified is the term used to describe someone who has been executed upon a cross for a crime. It is a very slow, extremely painful, and grossly humiliating form of punishment. Death is never pleasant, but being executed upon a cross is sheer torture.
However, unlike others who were executed, Jesus Christ did not remain in the grave. Although He was crucified and buried, three days later He arose from the grave! Hallelujah, Christ arose!
Every year on Easter morning, atop Stone Mountain in Georgia, a sunrise worship service is held to commemorate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is very inspirational for the more than 3,000 hardy souls who get up early and make the trek to the top. Our family has done it several times. On one particular occasion, the local TV station was there to cover the event. One of the people they interviewed was our teenage daughter, Amy.
When they asked her what she thought about the event, she exclaimed, “I’m glad to be up here. This is what Easter is all about. Today is the most important holiday for Christians. It is the day that we celebrate our risen Lord!”
He is risen indeed! The apostle Paul recounts the event, “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Christ was raised from the dead by the power of God. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to more than 500 people, including His own disciples. Forty days following His resurrection, He returned to God the Father. He did this by ascending bodily into the sky, until He disappeared in the clouds. Now, He is seated at the right hand of the Father in the heavenly realm, where He always lives to make intercession for us.
Paid in Full!
Praise God—Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins! He did this by willingly taking our place, and dying as a ransom for our sins. “You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death” (Colossians 1:21–22). The demands of God’s righteous system of justice were met through Christ’s sacrificial death on our behalf. Since Christ was the perfect sacrifice that God required, He now declares our sin debt paid in full. Therefore, God offers a full pardon from all sins for those who will accept Jesus Christ as their redeemer.
The pardon that God offers you comes entirely as a result of His grace, without any merit on your part whatsoever. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). Dr. J. I. Packer points to grace as the basis of this pardon. “Justification,” he says, “is the truly dramatic transition from the status of a condemned criminal awaiting a terrible sentence to that of an heir awaiting a fabulous inheritance.” You are justified in the sight of God because of His grace being extended to you through the cross.
“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). Jesus Christ is God’s sole provision for your salvation. Only Christ is capable of redeeming you from Satan’s dominion of sin and death.
That is exactly what Christ did. “[He] gave himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:6). He submitted Himself to be crucified at the hands of wicked men. He willingly subjected Himself to be nailed to a cross, and there He died! “He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). The cross, in the biblical sense, represents Christ’s sacrificial death for sinful humanity.
His death was not limited to any particular race or class of people. The death that Christ died encompassed all mankind. “That He by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Hebrews 2:9). Christ not only died for us, but also as us. His death was in actuality our death. When Christ died on that cross, you died too! Furthermore, when Christ arose, you arose too! Christ became one with you in death in order that you might be one with Him in life. And that’s the real meaning of Easter. Taken from Introducing THE NEW YOU, to read more… http://www.sourceministries.net/go/re...
The preceding message is provided as a service of Source Ministries © 2014.
March 3, 2014
TGIM! GOOD NEWS
GOOD NEWS FOR YOUR WEEK
TGIM - Thank God It’s Monday!
3-3-14
THE WORD IS: Be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22
THE POINT IS: The relevance of this Scripture is illustrated by the following comments. “Oh yeah, I know what the Bible says. I’ve heard it many times at church. I even read my Bible. I’ve also memorized some Scriptures.” If you think that reading the words of this precious Book (the Bible) is all there is to it, then you’ve got another thought coming! Keeping the “letter of the law” won’t get it either! Jesus made it quite clear that the attitude behind the actions is the determinate factor. God wants results—genuine results! He expects actions. God intends for us to be “doers” of His Word. So, what does it mean to be a doer of the Word? A doer of the Word is someone who lives out both the letter and the spirit of the law. It is a person whose actions and attitudes are in accordance with the Word of God. But, of course, none of us can do that, as the New Testament so clearly reiterates. So what’s the point? The Living Word (Jesus Christ) became flesh and lived among us so that He could show us the way. Doing the Word is what Christ is all about! It is something He alone can do, and that’s what He’s here for! Christ desires to become flesh in you in order that He might live out His life through you.
THE APPLICATION IS: Are you a doer of the Word? You are, if you’re allowing Christ (the Living Word) to live His life through you. Otherwise, you are deceived, misguided, and just plain wrong! It doesn’t matter how much Bible knowledge you have or how well you perform. If what you’re doing does not originate from the Living Word as your Source, then it’s not God. And that’s not good! Since Christ alone is good, only He can do good. Our good works are never good enough for God. And that’s why when you try to do good, it’s never enough and you’re never satisfied. But when you let Him do the work through you, that’s as good as it gets! And then you’ll hear Him say, “Good job!” Now that’s a doer of the Word!
Have a great week,
Lewis & Lue Gregory
Believe it, receive it, print it, post it.
Most of all, live it!
This is really good news, so please pass it on.
TGIM! GOOD NEWS: Making the simple truth of God’s Word real and relevant for daily living.
http://www.sourceministries.net/go/
The preceding message is provided as a service of Source Ministries © 2014.
TGIM - Thank God It’s Monday!
3-3-14
THE WORD IS: Be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22
THE POINT IS: The relevance of this Scripture is illustrated by the following comments. “Oh yeah, I know what the Bible says. I’ve heard it many times at church. I even read my Bible. I’ve also memorized some Scriptures.” If you think that reading the words of this precious Book (the Bible) is all there is to it, then you’ve got another thought coming! Keeping the “letter of the law” won’t get it either! Jesus made it quite clear that the attitude behind the actions is the determinate factor. God wants results—genuine results! He expects actions. God intends for us to be “doers” of His Word. So, what does it mean to be a doer of the Word? A doer of the Word is someone who lives out both the letter and the spirit of the law. It is a person whose actions and attitudes are in accordance with the Word of God. But, of course, none of us can do that, as the New Testament so clearly reiterates. So what’s the point? The Living Word (Jesus Christ) became flesh and lived among us so that He could show us the way. Doing the Word is what Christ is all about! It is something He alone can do, and that’s what He’s here for! Christ desires to become flesh in you in order that He might live out His life through you.
THE APPLICATION IS: Are you a doer of the Word? You are, if you’re allowing Christ (the Living Word) to live His life through you. Otherwise, you are deceived, misguided, and just plain wrong! It doesn’t matter how much Bible knowledge you have or how well you perform. If what you’re doing does not originate from the Living Word as your Source, then it’s not God. And that’s not good! Since Christ alone is good, only He can do good. Our good works are never good enough for God. And that’s why when you try to do good, it’s never enough and you’re never satisfied. But when you let Him do the work through you, that’s as good as it gets! And then you’ll hear Him say, “Good job!” Now that’s a doer of the Word!
Have a great week,
Lewis & Lue Gregory
Believe it, receive it, print it, post it.
Most of all, live it!
This is really good news, so please pass it on.
TGIM! GOOD NEWS: Making the simple truth of God’s Word real and relevant for daily living.
http://www.sourceministries.net/go/
The preceding message is provided as a service of Source Ministries © 2014.
