This week, as we remember the fallen soldiers who have given their lives for our freedom, we can’t help but also remember the great sacrifice that bought the freedom of our souls!

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  Galatians 5:1

Jesus Christ willing gave His life to purchase freedom for you and me; freedom from the darkness that draws us into behaviors, habits and life style choices that enslave us and take us far from the plan of grace and goodness that He holds for each of us.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event that planet Earth has ever seen. Have you experienced the freedom for your soul that His sacrifice bought?

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” 1 Cor. 15:3 & 4

I’m sure God knew how easy it would be for us to forget this great sacrifice as we hurry through our busy days. He actually provides a regular reminder for us. He calls us to take part in Communion and with good reason. It helps us remember.

“Do this in remembrance of me. For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11: 26

In the business of “doing life” we often forget just what is actually proclaimed by Jesus’ death and His resurrection. It can so easily slip to the background of life and we can find ourselves living in dryness of soul, with divided hearts and sometimes with powerless, defeated lives that become burdened by the things that can enslave our souls.

Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. That’s why He calls us to regularly remember Him; to keep proclaiming, in our individual lives, the truth of what His death on the cross means to us each day. Proclaim it out loud…right now…

• · I proclaim I am forgiven (Thank you Lord! You alone know how I need You.)
• · I proclaim I am loved (Thank you Lord that Your love is unconditional!)
• · I proclaim I am cleansed (Thank you Lord that my past is now behind me!)
• · I proclaim that by His grace I have all that I need (Thank you Lord for your undeserved grace and mercy to help me in my time of need!)

Do you believe it? The very same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is the same power that will be at work in your life as you believe and proclaim these truths.
Welcome His forgiveness and love.
Welcome His freedom.
Welcome the celebration at the Communion table.
Have your heart refreshed with forgiveness and wholeness as you remember the great sacrifice Jesus made for your freedom.

Father God,
Amaze my heart today with the truth of these proclamations. Thank you for the hope that Your death and resurrection revives in my heart! Fill me with Your Spirit and let Your resurrection power flow in new ways in my life. Help me to remember the power, through You, that is mine every day. Help me to grow into all You have planned for me to be and to do.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

How accurate is the Bible? Is what we have today what was written down 2000 years ago? Is what was written down 2000 years ago true?” Over the course of the video series, Josh McDowell explores questions of truth and accuracy within the Bible. Fact, fiction or fallacy? Can we trust what the Bible says?

Take the next step:
How does the Bible fit into what we crave in life?
Would you like to dig deeper into the Bible? Try our study on John 6.

Back to the Fact, Fiction or Fallacy index page

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for March 6th, AM.
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2011.

“You must be born again.” John 3:7

Spiritual regeneration is a subject which lies at the heart of salvation, and we should be diligent to ensure that we really are “born again,” because there are many who presume they are, who actually are not. Be assured that taking on the title of “Christian” is not sufficient. Being born in a “Christian land,” and being recognized as professing the Christian religion is too of no significance whatsoever, unless there is also something much deeper going on. Namely, being born again.

Being born again is an event so mysterious that human words cannot describe it. Jesus said “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)

Nevertheless, it is a change which is known and felt. It is known by works of holiness, and felt by a gracious experience. This great work is supernatural. It is not an operation which a man performs for himself. A new principle is infused which works in the heart, renews the soul, and affects the entire man. It is not a change of my name, but a renewal of my nature, so that I am not the man I used to be, but a new man in Christ Jesus. To wash and dress a corpse is a far different thing from making it alive. Man can do the former, but only God alone can do the latter.

If you have then, been born again, your acknowledgment should be prayer such as this: “O Lord Jesus, the everlasting Father, thou art my spiritual Parent; unless thy Spirit had breathed into me the breath of a new, holy, and spiritual life, I had been to this day ‘dead in trespasses and sins.’ My heavenly life is wholly derived from thee, to thee I ascribe it. ‘My life is hid with Christ in God.’ It is no longer I who live, but Christ who liveth in me.”

May the Lord enable us to have total peace of mind on this vital point, for to be unregenerate is to be unsaved, unpardoned, without God, and without hope.

Question: What distinguishes a person who is born again?

“And so I am giving a new commandment to you now – love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are My disciples” John 13:34,35

A Navajo Indian woman who had been healed of a serious ailment by a missionary doctor was greatly impressed by the love he manifested.

“If Jesus is anything like the doctor,” she said, “I can trust Him forever.”

The doctor was a living example of the above promise. When Jesus spoke these words, the entire known world was filled with hate, war and fear. The Jews and the Gentiles hated each other. The Greeks and the Romans hated each other.

But with the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the day of Pentecost came a breath of heavenly love. Those who received Jesus, the incarnation of love, into their lives and who chose to obey His command began to love one another. The pagan world looked on in amazement and said of the believers, “How they love one another!”

Within a few years following this command to love one another, the gospel had spread like a prairie fire throughout the known world. The miracle of God’s love, His supernatural agape, had captivated multitudes throughout the decadent, wicked Roman Empire.

Tragically, today one seldom hears “How they love one another!” about Christians. Instead there is far too much suspicion, jealousy, criticism and conflict between Christians, churches and denominations. The unbelieving world often laughs at our publicized conflicts.

But those individuals who do demonstrate this supernatural love are usually warmly received by nonbelievers as well as believers. The churches that obey our Lord’s command to “love one another” usually are filled to overflowing and are making a great impact for good and for the glory of God. They represent a highly desirable alternative to secular society.

How does one love supernaturally? By faith. God’s Word commands us to love (John 13:34,35). God’s Word promises that He will enable us to do what He commands us to do (John 5:14,15).

Bible Reading: 1 John 3:14-19

Today’s Action Point: Through the enabling of the Holy Spirit, I will by faith love others and thus prove that I am a true disciple of the Lord Jesus.

“And the children of Israel said to them, ‘Oh that we had died by the

hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat

and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.’” (Exodus 16:3, NKJV)

The people of Israel had been delivered from the slavery of Egypt. They were on their way to the Promised Land that flowed with milk and honey, where they would inherit beautiful cities, houses full of good things, wells, vineyards, and olive trees (Deuteronomy 6:10-11).

At this point in their history this journey was only going to take them eleven days, but here they are, looking back with longing at the pitiful existence they had in Egypt instead of looking ahead to the amazing land that God had prepared for them. Even when the spies came back and confirmed the beauty and fruitfulness of the land, fear kept them from entering in.  Again they cried “oh if only we could have just died in Egypt!” (Numbers 14:1-2)

I am reminded of the promised land that we have received through the cross of Christ, and the salvation that He won for us there. The cross was his perfect provision for all that we would ever need. Starting with the amazing opportunity to have a personal relationship with our

Creator, it includes eternal life, freedom, peace, joy, success in all that we set our hand to do, ability to truly love God and others, as well as spiritual, emotional, and physical healing.

Too often we receive our salvation through Christ’s death, but we do not go on to walk in all that the resurrection means for us, as it translates into a victorious new life. Like Israel, instead of looking to the future and what is promised to us, we keep looking back at our past and allowing it to hold us back and rob us of the bright future that God has for us (Proverbs 4:18).

We need to make a decision to leave our baggage at the cross and start taking hold of our future in Christ. His plans for us are good, but we have to choose to walk forward into them in order to experience the fullness of our “promised land!”

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13, NKJV)

Question: What “baggage” do you need to leave at the cross today?

The Resurrection: Reason to rejoice

“For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith” (Hebrews 4:2).

It is sadly true that the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection is meaningless to many who hear it. The message has no value to those who don’t believe it. Some don’t believe Jesus really died. Or they don’t believe He rose from the dead. They don’t believe He was completely sinless. They don’t believe He is God.

Maybe they don’t even believe they are sinners in need of a savior. Or maybe it is simply they don’t believe God cares about them personally. Whatever the reason, it all boils down to one thing. If you don’t believe the truth, the truth will not change you. It is worthless to you.

This is the point the writer of Hebrews is making. Many people in the past had heard that God would provide a way for them to enter His rest. But they didn’t combine the message they heard with faith.

And in this present time, many have heard of Jesus’ love, of His sacrifice on the cross, and of His promise of abundant life for both now and the future…but they don’t combine the message they hear with faith.

We must believe the truth about Jesus. We must act on what we have heard. We must combine it with faith.

Later in the same book we are told, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Holy God, I come to You now, believing that You exist. You created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. I thank You and praise You that You have made a way for me to know You. Help me to seek You with all my heart. Amen.

Questions: Is there something you have heard about Jesus but haven’t yet combined with faith? How have you experienced reward from God for earnestly seeking Him?

Do you need a breakthrough today? We would love to pray for you.

“And the children of Israel said to them, ‘Oh that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger’” (Exodus 16:3, NKJV).

The people of Israel had been delivered from the slavery of Egypt. They were on their way to the Promised Land that flowed with milk and honey, where they would inherit beautiful cities, houses full of good things, wells, vineyards, and olive trees. (Deuteronomy 6:10-11)

At this point in their history this journey was only going to take them eleven days, but here they are, looking back with longing at the pitiful existence they had in Egypt instead of looking ahead to the amazing land that God had prepared for them. Even when the spies came back and confirmed the beauty and fruitfulness of the land, fear kept them from entering in.  Again they cried “oh if only we could have just died in Egypt!” (Numbers 14:1-2)

I am reminded of the Promised Land that we have received through the cross of Christ, and the salvation that He won for us there. The cross was his perfect provision for all that we would ever need. Starting with the amazing opportunity to have a personal relationship with our Creator, it includes eternal life, freedom, peace, joy, success in all that we set our hand to do, ability to truly love God and others, as well as spiritual, emotional, and physical healing.

Too often we receive our salvation through Christ’s death, but we do not go on to walk in all that the resurrection means for us, as it translates into a victorious new life. Like Israel, instead of looking to the future and what is promised to us, we keep looking back at our past and allowing it to hold us back and rob us of the bright future that God has for us. (Proverbs 4:18)

We need to make a decision to leave our baggage at the cross and start taking hold of our future in Christ. His plans for us are good, but we have to choose to walk forward into them in order to experience the fullness of our “promised land!”

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” ((Philippians 3: 13-14).

Questions: Do you find yourself looking back more frequently than looking forward to what God has in store for you? Why?  Are you allowing the past to keep you from living the victorious life that Christ has planned for you?

“God will surely do this for you, for He always does just what He says, and He is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with His Son, even Christ our Lord” 1 Corinthians 1:9

You and I do not always prove faithful, but the apostle Paul wants us to know, by way of his letter to the believers in Corinth, that our God will surely do what He has promised; in this case, make us “blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:8).

The apostle wants the Corinthians to know that they can depend upon the faithfulness of God, who had begun a good work among them, and certainly would see them through to the end. He did the inviting; He would do the keeping.

Christians are able to participate with Christ in several ways. First in His trials and sufferings, for we are subjected to temptations and trials similar to His: “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings” (1 Peter 4:13, KJV).

Second, in His feelings and views (Romans 8:9).

Third, in His heirship to the inheritance and glory which awaits Him: “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17, KJV).

Fourth, in His triumph in the resurrection and future glory: “Ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28, KJV).

Are you not glad for that kind of friendship?

Bible Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: When I look for a faithful friend, my first thought will be of Christ Himself, who truly qualifies as my very best friend.

”Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

This Easter Sunday I am impressed with the newness that the Risen Christ brings to our lives. Being reminded of how His death conquered all that drags us down truly brings us back to the roots of our faith and our freedom. The “stuff of life” can easily distract and pull us away from the life changing truth that is ours on a daily basis.

With renewed commitment today I want to take to heart the words of Hebrews 12:

”Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.” Hebrews 12:1-2

1 Peter 1:13 tells us exactly how to do this in very practical terms:

• Prepare your mind. Keep scripture fresh in your thoughts.
• Be self-controlled. Pay attention to where your focus lies.
• Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Let’s receive the grace offered to us on a daily basis, just for today, knowing that the trials of life are not the enemy. Rather the enemy of our soul tempts us to make the choice of becoming lost in the trail and fail to grasp the grace held out to us daily to sustain us through the trial.

So let’s run… with the grace given to us for today, and trust God with the tomorrows of our lives. His grace will meet us when we get to tomorrow.

Thank you that Christ is risen indeed! Please help me today to walk in the power and grace of the risen Christ. Amen.

Question: How can we share the grace we are given on a daily basis with others?

He is not Here; He is Risen

“The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” (Mark 9:31)

A few years ago, a Discover Channel documentary boldly proclaimed that the “Lost Tomb of Jesus” had been found, including an ossuary (bone box) which purportedly contained the remains of Jesus himself. The documentary was derided by both Christian clergy and secular scholars as being misleading and deceitful, the critical conclusion being that this was not, nor was it ever, Jesus’ tomb. The “Lost Tomb of Jesus” was nothing more than another example of sensational journalism to get ratings.

As believers in God’s Word, we know that this sort of discussion is foolishness from the start. In Matthew’s gospel we read:

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earth-quake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven … The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. … So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me” (Matthew 28:1-10).

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” When the women heard this, they were “afraid yet filled with joy.” This is because, while they had knowledge of the events that had occurred, they had not yet met the risen Christ. When Jesus appeared to them for the first time in his renewed, transformed body a short time later, he said to them, “Do not be afraid.”

As you reflect upon Jesus’ resurrection during this Easter period, consider his glorious re-appearing which assures us that “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also” (1 Corinthians 6:14). In repudiation to the “Lost Tomb of Jesus”, the angel proclaims “He is not here; He is risen.” Do not be afraid, as someone who does not know Jesus personally, but instead open your heart to experience the joy that flows from a fully formed relationship with the God who lives.

Thank you Lord, that the grave is empty, You are alive and You walk with me daily. I praise Your name! Amen.

Questions: Take time to reflect on what Easter is really all about and how it has affected your life personally.