Q

Q&A with Storms and Ortlund

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How to Avoid Assuming the Gospel

How to Avoid Assuming the Gospel

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9Marks e-Journal on Deacons

9Marks e-Journal on Deacons

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Questions to Ask Regarding Disappointment in the Church

Questions to Ask Regarding Disappointment in the Church

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Questions to Ask Regarding Disappointment in the Church

Questions to Ask Regarding Disappointment in the Church

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All Trendiness Is Not Bad

All Trendiness Is Not Bad

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Easters

Much is on my mind as I contemplate what Christ has done for us. One of the things that bothers me is that often people will say, would you die for a stranger or friend? That's great and all, but that's not comparable to what Christ did. Jesus died for His enemies, He said concerning those who crucified Him "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do". 

Now, that's something else - He died for those who had sinned against Him, He died for those who reviled Him, spat on Him etc. He died for liars, rapist, murders, drug users, alcoholics etc, He died to deliver mankind from the wrath of God, by enduring the wrath of God Himself. He endured separation from the Father, something foreign to the Trinity. For eternity they have been in communion and in order to deliver mankind from sin Jesus the Son went on a mission to save His very enemies, by taking upon Himself the punishment they deserve! He bears our sin (STILL) and those who have put their trust in Him for redemption have His righteousness. This is definitely not an even trade, or even a fair one, but we don't get what we deserve, instead we receive mercy! The rapist, murderer, liar, cheater, stealer, can receive mercy from God because of what Jesus has done. Jesus is the life giver, because He endured death for us and conquered it. Jesus is the life giver because He bore the sin of the world. His enemies can turn to Him because He has provided a way, a way for His enemies to become His friends, through repentance, by turning from their ways and turning towards Him, trusting Him for salvation.

Would you die and take the punishment for one who had wronged you? I doubt it. Would you pay the price for someone who inflicted as much torture on you as they did on Christ? And even then that's not scratching the surface of what Christ really did for us. We can't begin to comprehend the separation He endured from the Father, the sin he bears for us...Lets just be thankful for what He did.

This is why He is worthy of my worship and service. It's not about rules, I serve Him because He is worthy, I serve Him because I love Him because He loved me first. I enjoy freedom because He has set me free! Talk about real life, Jesus is the author of it!