Revitalize Your Church

It is significant that Jesus prayed from the cross. While experiencing the worst torture a human being could endure  – he prayed.   Most of us, in such moments of anguish, would succumb to the suffering. Our prayers would be diminished to one word: “Help!”  Reflecting on the worst moments of my life, I must admit “Help!” is the most sincere prayer I’ve ever uttered.   Yet, Jesus went beyond a prayer for help at Golgotha . His prayers from the cross reveal the intensity of his pain – yet, a deep love pouring from his heart. Instead of being consumed with himself, he turned his focus to God and others.   The old adage states, “We all have our cross to bear.” In our moments of anguish, we can look to Jesus, and see how he responded in his darkest valley. A review of Good Friday events shows that Jesus did three things: 1) He pressed into prayer. 2) He poured out love. 3) He surrendered all to God. ...

“It is finished!” Those were the words Jesus Christ uttered as he hung, dying, on the cross. “It is finished!” What could he have possibly meant? Failure Words? At first glance, one might wonder if these were words of despair – quitting words. “It is finished! It’s a hopeless cause! I’ve failed! I quit!” It would certainly be understandable if that’s what Jesus meant. Just think: he suffered the greatest injustice in human history. He lived a spotless life, but was sentenced to a traitor’s death. He came to love – but was hated. He came to help – but was rejected. He came to heal – but was broken He came to forgive – but was despised. He came to bless – but was cursed. . He came to bring life – but was brought death Stepping into darkness and bearing another’s burden is difficult enough. It becomes nearly impossible, however, when the person who needs the help rejects it. You could hardly blame Jesus if he had meant “I’ve had enough and I give up” when he said “It is ...

We used this video during our Christmas Eve services

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Today- The Holy One The Lowly One The Lonely One The Only One - Died To reconcile us to God- Amazing Grace! -- Leonard Ravenhill, in Heart Breathings

Crown of Thorns Galaxy Photographed in Space

This morning, I finished a good book by Carol Kent, When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances. It's the story of how she processed the terrible news that her 25 year old son had shot and killed a man. It is a good encouragement for anybody suffering through painful and perplexing experiences -- particularly, in regard to their children. The best thought I found was a question: Are you living closer to Good Friday or Easter Sunday?

C . . . Contrition (Psalm 51:17) R . . . Repentance (2 Cor. 7:10) O . . . Obedience (Phil. 2:8, Eph 5:2) S . . . Sacrifice (I John 4:10, Heb. 11:17) S . . . Surrender (John 12:24)

On this Good Friday, my attention is centered on the cross. It was my waking thought this morning. Jesus paid it ALL. ALL to Him I owe. Tonight, we're going to have a powerful Good Friday service at the church -- I know it will be gripping and deeply moving for all who attend. But, be warned, there won't be a "feel good" finish. The service will be over before the story ends -- much like the cliffhanger televsion programs that conclude with "to be continued. . ."