Category: Good Friday

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Jesus Rose For Our Justification

For April 20, 2025
Like any other Sunday morning in Jerusalem, the Roman soldiers, stationed at Joseph’s tomb, prepared for what seemed to be an ordinary day. But this day would not be ordinary.

The women, heartbroken and grieving, came to the tomb to embalm the body of their Savior. The tomb was sealed, guarded by Roman soldiers ready to defend it with their lives.

Yet, as they approached, the earth trembled with a mighty earthquake, and the stone that sealed the tomb was rolled away, by a supernatural power. An angel, shining brighter than lightning and clothed in white as snow, appeared, and the soldiers, fell to the ground as if they were dead.

When the angel spoke, his words echoed with hope and promise that still reverberate around the world today,

Do not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him. Now I have told you.    Matthew 28:57 (NLT)

This is the moment that changed everything.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is not just a historical event—it is the power of God unleashed on the world, offering forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life to all who believe. Skeptics may try to explain it away; they may claim the disciples stole the body, or that the women went to the wrong tomb, or that the witnesses were hallucinating. But after two thousand years, no one has ever disproven the testimony of those who witnessed the risen Christ.

The fact is that Jesus rose from the dead, and He is alive today. He is alive to offer salvation to you, to transform your life, and to give you hope beyond this world as this hymn reminds us today,

He Lives
Alfred H. Ackley1

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him He’s always near.

In all the world around me I see His loving care, And tho my heart grows weary, I never will despair; I know that He is leading thro all the stormy blast, The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice, Rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find, None other is so living, so good and kind.

Chorus:
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me A-long life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

Because of His resurrection, we know that:

    • Jesus is the Son of God, victorious over death and the grave. Sin and the grave have been defeated, and we, too, have new life in Him.
    • God’s perfect sacrifice was accepted. We now have reconciliation with God through Christ as we repent and put our faith in Him.
    • His Holy Spirit lives in us, guiding and transforming us.

Christ has risen is a message that has been passed down for two thousand years, a message that has changed countless lives, and a message that can change yours too. If you’ve never made the decision to place your faith in the risen Savior, perhaps now is the time to do so.

The resurrection isn’t just an ancient story—it’s a message of hope for all today. Jesus died for our sins, and He rose again to give us eternal life! Without Jesus, there is no hope for eternal life, now is the time to call on His name. The Bible promises that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Don’t wait. Don’t let another day pass without receiving the forgiveness and life that Jesus offers.

Christ the Lord is risen today! He is alive, and He offers us the chance to live with Him forever. Won’t you accept His invitation today? Just believe in Him and be saved.

Christ the Lord is risen today … Yes! He is risen, indeed!

What a Wonderful Savior!

 

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Jesus Christ Died For Our Sins

For April 18, 2025
It was early Friday morning of Passover Week, and Jesus had not slept. Over the last few hours, He had transformed the Passover Seder into a commemorative Lord’s Supper, leaving behind a lasting institution that would continue throughout the ages.

Then, while in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas betrayed Him into the hands of corrupt religious leaders for a mere thirty pieces of silver. Unjustly condemned, He was hastily brought before Pilate, Herod Antipas, and Pilate once again and sentenced to death.

Yet before the final verdict, He endured horrendous suffering at the hands of Roman soldiers who beat Him mercilessly and crucified Him on Calvary. Was Jesus a mere innocent victim, or was something far more profound taking place?

In Ezekiel 18:4, God tells us that every soul belongs to Him and that the penalty for sin is death. Romans 6:23 repeats this truth, “The wages of sin is death.” To remedy sin’s curse, God established blood sacrifices to atone for human sin. (Leviticus 17:11).

As the Son of Man, Jesus knew that His death was part of God’s divine plan for our redemption as He foretold,

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:14-16 (NIV)

Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, willingly chose to pay the price for your sins, past, present, and future, with His own precious blood. Although He had the power to forego the cross, He chose to embrace it for our benefit instead. Despite the brutal beatings, the mockery, and the crown of thorns, He continued to walk the path of suffering because of His great love for us,

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.      Romans 5:8 (NIV)

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.       1 John 4:10 (NIV)

Christ He chose to give His life, becoming the Perfect Intercessor between a holy God and sinful humanity, and He did this for us all of us.

Jesus knew that our sins stood between us and God. He took our place on the cross, bearing the wrath of God that we deserve. He did this so we could be forgiven, so we could have eternal life and peace with God.  His love is immeasurable, and His grace transforms lives yet today.

If you have not yet accepted the gift of eternal life that Jesus offers, today is the day you can make that decision. Jesus died not just for the world but for you personally. Through His sacrifice, He offers forgiveness for your sins. All you have to do is believe in Him, ask Him for forgiveness, and invite Him into your life as your Savior and Lord,

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 
Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, gave His life so that we could live forever with Him. He did not come to condemn us, but to save us. We don’t have to carry the weight of sin any longer. He paid the price in full. Won’t you accept His free gift today?

Yes! Jesus, our Lord and Savior, chose to be the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world so that we could experience His abiding joy, peace, and great salvation today.

What a Wonderful Savior!

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In Remembrance of Me

For April 17, 2025
What an incredible and life-changing week for those in and around Jerusalem! On Sunday, the Triumphal Entry took place, and the streets were filled with the jubilant cries of people who saw Jesus Christ as the long-awaited Messiah. Their hopes and dreams were centered on Him, believing He was the Savior who would bring deliverance.

The very next day, Jesus entered the Temple and, with righteous indignation, drove out the money changers and vendors who had defiled the sacred space—showing once again His authority and purity. As the week unfolded, Jesus made it clear that He was more than a prophet, He was the promised Savior.

An unnamed woman, identified by John as Mary (John 12:3), anointed His feet with costly, fragrant oil, a beautiful act of devotion that foreshadowed His sacrificial death. After this moment of quiet reflection, Jesus and His disciples sought a moment of rest before He asked for a furnished room to prepare for the Passover Seder.

Fast forward to Thursday evening, and the disciples gathered with Jesus, eagerly anticipating the Passover celebration. For Jews, this was a time to celebrate God’s miraculous deliverance from 400 years of slavery in Egypt, led by Moses. It was a festival of hope, remembrance, and renewal.

But for the Twelve, this Passover would be unlike any they had ever known.

From the very start, the evening was marked by tension. After the disciples argued about who would be the greatest in His Kingdom, Jesus, the King of Kings, humbled Himself by washing their feet. He performed this ancient act of service, showing that true greatness in His Kingdom is found in humility.

Then, the mood shifted as Jesus spoke of His coming death, their betrayal, and desertion.

What could have been a moment of profound disappointment turned into the turning point of human history as Jesus radically alters the traditional Seder. He takes the bread, breaks it, and gives it with His disciples, saying,

This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. Luke 22:19 (NIV)

Then He took the cup, and after giving thanks, He said,

Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.    Matthew 26:27-29 (NIV)

Thus, Jesus established the New Covenant: His body, broken for us; His blood, shed for the remission of our sins. The New Covenant fulfilled the promises of the Old Covenant, where God made a way for His people to be reconciled to Him. The Law and sacrifices of the Old Testament pointed to this very moment, when Jesus would be the ultimate sacrifice, securing our forgiveness and reconciliation with God through His blood.

This moment is not just a historical event. It’s also an invitation. An invitation to enter into a relationship with God, made possible through Jesus Christ. His body was broken for us. His blood was shed for us. He offers us forgiveness and eternal life, not based on our works, but because of His finished sacrificial work at the Cross.

Jesus calls today, just as He called to His disciples that fateful evening: “Do this in remembrance of me.” It’s a personal challenge, one that requires a personal response

The Lord’s Supper is not merely a ritual—it is a living promise to embrace. Jesus extends His invitation to be forgiven, to know His love, and to walk in the new, abundant life He offers. Won’t you accept His invitation today? The choice is yours, and it’s one that will shape your eternity.

What a Wonderful Savior!

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What’s The Commotion?

For April 13, 2025
It was Sunday when travelers from all over the world gathered in Jerusalem to commemorate the Passover, the mighty act of God when He delivered His people from Egyptian bondage. The city was filled with crowds, as this was one of the three appointed times when every Jewish man was required to come before the Lord “in a place which the Lord shall choose.”

Then, it happened. A ripple of commotion spread through the city, growing louder by the second. What began as a distant murmur soon became a chant that echoed through the streets: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the Highest!”

It was unmistakable—royalty had come to town! In our day, royalty ride in limousines with their insignias proudly displayed. But two thousand years ago, conquering kings rode horses to show their power and authority over their subjects. But Jesus—our King—chose a different path. In a profound display of humility, He rode on a colt, the foal of a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 (NIV),

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

In His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, Jesus chose the path of peace, as the “Prince of Peace” as foretold in Isaiah 9:6. The crowds laid down their garments and palm branches before Him, while others waved their palm branches and shouted in celebration.

Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, had arrived. And “the whole world has gone after Him!” (John 12:19)

It’s beyond comprehension that the eternal, holy God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, chose to take on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. What’s even more remarkable is that, though He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He chose to enter Jerusalem in the humblest way possible. He could have arrived in royal procession, commanding the respect due to His glory. But He did not.

Why did Jesus, the King of Glory decide to take such a humble approach? Perhaps we can find the answer in His own words in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV),

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Jesus didn’t come to rule as a worldly monarch. He came to reconcile us to God by offering us salvation through His sacrifice at Calvary. His entry into Jerusalem wasn’t just celebrity fanfare. It was the beginning of the most important week in history—the redemption of the human race!

Truly, He was our Conquering King who presented Himself as the Humble Servant, offering Himself for our sins. The King of Kings would humble Himself to death on a cross, enduring insults, mockery, and humiliation all because He loves us more than we could ever know.

So, what’s the commotion? The King is coming—not just to Jerusalem, but to our hearts today. And He is still accessible through faith, repentance, and surrender. Jesus is calling. Won’t you come to Him and experience rest for your weary soul, and know the life-changing power found only in Him?

What a Wonderful Savior!

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For March 31, 2024
Calling Jesus Christ a mere teacher or miracle worker significantly undermines His true nature. While on earth, He went beyond being a kind person who dedicated Himself to improving the human condition by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, raising the dead, and restoring hope to the hopeless.

Seven-hundred years before His birth, the Prophet Isaiah predicted we would acknowledge Jesus Christ as “Immanuel,” meaning God with us. (Isaiah 7:14) The resurrection of Jesus Christ is what sets Him apart from any other historical figure while also making the Easter Celebration distinctive.

Almost two-thousand years ago, the Roman government executed Jesus and guarded His tomb with armed soldiers. Today, we have ample records of His death and burial, yet the only plausible explanation for the absence of His body is the resurrection.

The empty tomb is that silent testimony to the resurrection of Christ, which has never been refuted. The Romans and Jews could not produce Christ’s body or explain where it went, but nonetheless, they refused to believe. Not because of the insufficiency of evidence but in spite of its sufficiency do men still reject the resurrection.[1]

Unlike anyone else in history, Jesus not only predicted his death but also predicted His rising from the grave as well.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep … No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. John 10:11, 18 (NLT)

His resurrection wasn’t simply resuscitation to His earthly existence, similar to those whom He brought back to life; as He would have eventually died of old age Himself. On the contrary, His resurrection serves as evidence that God accepted His perfect sacrifice for our benefit.

As a result, He became the “first fruits” of all those who have faith in Him for their eternal destiny, including us. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and we have everything to gain in Him as our hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27, Hebrews 13:8)

Amen and Hallelujah!

Moreover, because of His impeccable ministry and teachings, He is our Divine Prophet, (Deuteronomy 18:15 ff.), molding our moral and spiritual course even today. Furthermore, He reigns as the “Prince of the Kings of the Earth,” (Revelation 1:5), through His Holy Spirit and His written Word, the Bible.

Apart from these wonderful attributes, He is our Great High Priest, through whom we receive forgiveness for our sins and peace with God.

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come … Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:11-12. (NKJV)

Jesus’ perfect sacrifice covers our sin as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), who is fully capable to save “to the uttermost” all who come to God by Him, seeing He lives forever to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).

Only through Jesus Christ can we find righteousness and reconciliation with a holy God. By repentance and faith in Him, we receive instant forgiveness and restored fellowship with God.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:12-13 (NIV)

Through the shedding of Jesus Christ’s blood at Calvary, we now have the privilege of approaching God boldly and can confidently expect His approval as He substitutes our imperfect life with Jesus’ sinless one. Now when God looks at us, He sees no trace of sin and condemnation. Instead, He sees the pure heart and clean hands of Jesus Christ, and that we are suitable for His eternal fellowship.

We are finally free from the overwhelming weight of sin, guilt, and shame. His Word and Spirit remind us that we can let go of our sinful past and live an abundant life as new creations, forgiven by God and covered by His blood. (John 10:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

It’s like being brought before Jesus, like that woman in John 8:1-11. Despite our condemnation, we stand alone in the presence of our Savior and Redeemer, who asks, “Where are your accusers?” “They are gone, Lord,” we reply. “Neither do I,” Jesus tells us, “Go and sin no more!”

Our Dear Friend is our Constant Companion, never leaving us even in our darkest hours. No matter the circumstances we face, whether positive or negative, He is always present to support us. He will wipe away our tears and defend us in our struggles, filling our hearts with His joy and peace. He supplies us with all the resources, both spiritual and material; to live a life that pleases Him.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Our enduring Christian faith lies in our Resurrected Lord as we look forward to a magnificent eternal life beyond this earthly existence. Won’t you give your life to Christ today and forever enjoy His blessed life?

What a Wonderful Savior!

[1]Josh McDowell, “The Resurrection – Hoax or History,” Evidence that Demands a Verdict: Historical Evidences for the Christian Faith, rev. ed., vol. I, (San Bernardino: Here’s Life Publishers, Inc., 1979) 226.

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