LUKE 23:39–43 Few scenes in Scripture show Christ’s saving power more vividly than the conversion of the dying thief. At the very moment of Jesus’ greatest weakness, He was hanging in agony on the cross. He still had divine power to hear a sinner’s cry. He grants saving mercy. The thief had nothing to offer. … Continue reading The Grace That Saves to the Uttermost
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The Marks of Real Repentance
LUKE 23:39–43 — The Cross and the Two Thieves Two criminals hung beside Jesus—equally near to Christ, equally guilty, equally dying. Yet their responses could not be more different. One hardened his heart to the end. The other turned in repentance and faith. He was saved by the Savior hanging beside him. This contrast humbles … Continue reading The Marks of Real Repentance
Three Ways People Relate to the Cross
“As they led him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene… and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.” — Luke 23:26 Jesus was exhausted—beaten, tried, mocked, and now forced to carry the heavy crossbeam toward Golgotha. At some point, His strength gave way. The soldiers grabbed a passerby, Simon of … Continue reading Three Ways People Relate to the Cross
Indebted to His Mercy
JOHN 20:1–10 Those who love Christ most are those who know how much they’ve been forgiven and how greatly Jesus has lavished His grace upon them. Mary Magdalene is the first person John names at the empty tomb. Scripture tells us she had been delivered from “seven demons” (Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2)—a woman rescued from … Continue reading Indebted to His Mercy
The Cross Before the Crown
Scripture: Matthew 25:31–26:2 When Jesus spoke of His glorious return to judge the nations, He immediately reminded His disciples of His coming crucifixion. The timing is intentional—before the crown comes the cross. Before the glory comes the suffering. The destinies Jesus described are eternal. Heaven will be an endless day without night—perfect rest after warfare, … Continue reading The Cross Before the Crown
The Power of the Cross
In the Scriptures, the remembrance that Jesus has fully paid the ransom price for our liberation from sin motivates... The heavenly host to worship, All church leaders to discharge faithfully their ministry, And all believers to a lifestyle of personal purity. “Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit Who is … Continue reading The Power of the Cross
The Power of God in a Manger and God on a Cross
When sin entered the world, alienation and hostility began to characterize mankind’s relationship with God. Left to our natural selves, our eyes are blind to true beauty, our minds are hostile to God, and we are dead in our trespasses and sins. This succinctly describes our desperate condition before our hearts are opened to believe. … Continue reading The Power of God in a Manger and God on a Cross
God’s Overarching Purpose in Your Rescue
God’s purpose is to make us like Himself - holy and pure. Ephesians 5:25-27 -- "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any … Continue reading God’s Overarching Purpose in Your Rescue
What the death of Christ accomplished – J.C. Ryle
That death discharged in full the mighty debt which sinners owe to God and threw open the door of life to every believer. That death satisfied the righteous claims of God's holy law, and enabled God to be just, and yet the justifier of the ungodly. That death was no mere example of self-sacrifice, but … Continue reading What the death of Christ accomplished – J.C. Ryle
For Those Experiencing Great Grief and Loss
How do followers of Jesus respond when we or those whom we love experience great grief and loss? We grieve and lament. It is important that we allow ourselves to grieve. Jesus wept before the tomb of his friend Lazarus. Isaiah called him the suffering servant of the Lord who was well-acquainted with grief. Our … Continue reading For Those Experiencing Great Grief and Loss
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